M. S.

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 decreased federal support for the NSLP by 15 percent. School foodservice administrators had to adapt effectively to shrinking resources in order to maintain program objectives and avert a decrease in program participation. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of the federal budget cuts on the performance objectives of a multi-unit school foodservice program. In addition, the effects of program interventions were assessed by evaluating the attitudes of program participants and their parents. Random cluster sampling techniques were used to obtain 520 secondary students and 353 parents of students in the elementary and secondary schools. Data was collected from two survey instruments and school foodservice participation and budget reports. Overall, the school foodservice administrators dealt effectively with an immediate drop in participation and the reduction in federal funding. Program administrators were able to maintain program objectives and improve program participation and satisfaction. / M.S.