This paper presented preliminary findings of a 4-year study to test alternatives to the annual application and daily meal-counting procedures in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). It presents preliminary findings for school years 1990-91 and 1991-92. Data were collected from 12 pilot-site schools and school-food authorities (SFAs) to measure program effects on administrative burden, participation, Federal costs, and accountability. A survey of 214 households was also conducted to assess changes in eligibility status. Four types of pilot projects were examined--no-fee, direct certification, alternative application, and provision 1 and 2. Data show that no-fee, direct-certification, and alternative-application projects were successful in reducing time spent on paperwork. No-fee programs demonstrated the most cost savings per meal; however, federal costs increased in both no-fee and direct-certification projects. The three sites recruited to test the pilot procedures in Provision 1 and 2 schools experienced problems in implementing the pilot procedures. Survey data indicated that and direct-certification projects. Survey data indicated that 91 percent of the households retained their eligibility to receive free lunches. Twenty-nine tables are included. (LMI)