Weekend Feeding ('Backpack') Programs and Student Outcomes

Abstract

Weekend feeding (“BackPack�?) programs that provide food to children have grown dramatically in recent years, yet their effects on educational outcomes have been little investigated. Our study combines administrative student data on test scores and absences in Northwest North Carolina elementary schools with primary data on program participation. School and student program eligibility criteria is used to estimate the intent-to-treat effect within a difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD) framework. Results suggest a sizable 0.09 standard deviation improvement in reading scores, with similar but weaker effects for math scores. These effects are strongest for the youngest and lowest performing students.