MADISON, Wis. -- The percentage of Wisconsin students poor enough to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch continues to increase, according to state officials.

The state Department of Public Instruction reported Thursday that 39 percent of students in Wisconsin participated in the programs in the 2009 school year. That is up from 35.5 percent the year before and 33.4 percent in 2007.

State Superintendent Tony Evers blames the poor economy on the spike.

The highest percentage of students in the programs -- at more than 80 percent each -- were the Milwaukee, Menominee Indian and Lac du Flambeau districts.

Free lunches are available to families of four earning less than about $29,000 a year. Reduced-price lunches are for families of four earning less than about $41,000.