Stats show student poverty increasing

The percentage of Vermont students receiving free or reduced priced lunches is increasing.

Statewide statistics show that more than 40 percent of students receive lunches subsidized by the federal government.

Last year the figure was just under 38 percent.

Windham Southeast Superintendent Ron Stahley said the statistics show more pressure will be put on schools.

He says schools need to do more to help needy families.

In Brattleboro, about 56 percent of students are getting free or reduced lunches this year.

Last year, the figure for Brattleboro elementary school students was about 53 percent while five years ago the number was just more than 43 percent.