The number of kids eating free and reduced lunches has climbed from 55 percent of students at the end of last year to 62 percent now, said Lebanon Community School District nutrition director Pam Lessley.

She said the economy is to blame.

“Lots of people are out of work,” Lessley said.

The lunch program is helpful, she said.

“Their kids can eat lunch at little or no charge, and that just helps with the budget,” Lessley said.

Homeless student numbers have doubled from 152 to 321 since 2008-09, and state and county unemployment rates have been stagnant.