Lawmakers are planning to review why few Nebraska students who receive free and reduced-price lunches also participate in the federal funded breakfast program.

Of students who take part in the lunch program, the Food Research and Action Center finds only two states have fewer students who also eat free or reduced-price breakfasts. The group finds that four out of 10 students who participate in the lunch program aren’t part of the breakfast program, even though the income requirements are the same.

Sen. Bill Avery of Lincoln has asked legislative staff to study the matter to see whether there are barriers to participation.

The Legislature’s Education Committee will hear public testimony on the issue later this year. Depending on what’s found, Avery said he may introduce legislation next year.