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Universal free meals and school suspensions

Author

Listed:
  • Andres Cuadros‐Meñaca
  • Di Fang
  • Rodolfo M. Nayga
  • Michael R. Thomsen

Abstract

We examine whether providing free school meals to all students causes changes in out‐of‐school suspensions for schools adopting those policies in the United States. Using updated data and modern difference‐in‐differences methods that account for staggered adoption, we show suspensions fall by approximately 10% in elementary schools and 6% in middle and high schools, with larger effects in schools that previously served fewer students eligible for free and reduced‐price meals in preadoption periods. These findings contrast with earlier null results, primarily due to better methods that account for staggered program adoption as opposed to the updated dataset.

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Cuadros‐Meñaca & Di Fang & Rodolfo M. Nayga & Michael R. Thomsen, 2026. "Universal free meals and school suspensions," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 64(3), pages 773-797, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:64:y:2026:i:3:p:773-797
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70066
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