The effect was a more continuous distribution across the state instead of a concentration in the eastern half of the state. White and Native American poverty are associated with different factors. Poverty among the white population is lower in the economic centers of the state, while Native American poverty is reduced away from the economic centers. Native American poverty in non-reservation counties increases with the percentage of female headed households. There was no relationship between poverty and percentage female headed households for whites or for reservation Native Americans.
Poor nutrition is a potential problem among school children, especially poor children.
The hypothesis that school food programs are not equally available to all children in the state is mostly unfounded. The hypothesis that all Montana counties are not adequately making use of federal free and reduced meal programs can be supported. Most counties have made adequate use of these programs but usage varies. Counties that may try to increase their usage of the free and reduced meal programs are identified.