School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior

Date Published: September 2024

Reference:

Orta-Aleman, D., Zuercher, M. D., Bacon, K. A., Chelius, C., Hecht, C. E., Hecht, K., Ritchie, L. D., Cohen, J. F. W., & Gosliner, W. (2024). Students’ perspectives on the benefits and challenges of universal school meals related to food accessibility, stigma, participation, and waste. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 56(9), 599–610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.04.011

Key Takeaways: This qualitative study found that students generally perceived universal school meals as improving food access, reducing stigma, increasing participation, and helping normalize eating school meals, while also noting concerns about food waste and varying meal appeal. Overall, students described universal school meals as reducing financial and social barriers to eating at school and supporting a more equitable cafeteria environment.

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