The number of children eligible for free lunches in Maine has increased dramatically this year as the lingering recession continues to chip away at family pocketbooks.

“Some school systems are reporting more free lunches than ever before,” said Kevin Cowperthwaite, director of the state’s nutrition program.

The state served up 750,000 free lunches in October, an increase of 16 percent for the same month in 1990, said Cowperthwaite. He said the number was expected to grow during November.

Because of the increase, the state will ask the Maine Legislature for permission to request an extra $4 million in federal reimbursements for the state’s program, Cowperthwaite said.

The state wants to increase its $14 million request to $18 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he said.

In Maine, free lunches are given to families whose annual income is $17,420 or less.

Many Maine families fall into that category, especially two-income families reduced to one paycheck because of the recession, Cowperthwaite said.

In Monmouth, demand for free lunches rose by 30 percent this year. “This is the largest increase that I’ve seen in the 10 years that I’ve worked here,” said Sondra Cottrell, who runs the food service for the system.

Bangor’s increase was also significant. There, the number of students eligible for free lunches increased 11 percent, up 120 students from last year. Overall, 1,193 Bangor students are eligible for free lunches this year, compared to 1,073 last year.

More than a quarter of Bangor’s students qualified for free lunches.

Superintendent James Doughty said the increase seems to be the result of the tough economic times and an easier application process for some families.

Old Town Superintendent John Grady reported a minimal increase of two students qualifying for the free lunch program. This year 260 Old Town students are eligible for the program.

“We haven’t been hit yet,” said Grady, pointing out that the James River Co. paper mill in town and the nearby University of Maine have been weathering the state’s bad economic times fairly well and have not had to resort to major layoffs.

Augusta schools served 8,471 free meals a year ago, compared to 10,242 this year, food service Director Michael Sanborn said.

In prosperous Cape Elizabeth, only five students received reduced-price meals last year, said food service Director Susan Smith. This year there are 19, she said.

“That doesn’t sound like many, but, remember, this is Cape Elizabeth,” Smith said. The high school does not even offer a hot lunch program, instead opting for a la carte items bought by students.

State officials say the number of students taking free or reduced-price lunches in Maine would be higher if all the eligible families applied for the assistance.

In Augusta, there are 770 children eligible for free lunches, or about 10.5 percent of all students, but only 530 students take advantage of the program, Sanborn said.