School Meal Programs Research Articles

Sustainability assessment of educational approaches as food waste prevention measures in school catering

A large proportion of school meals are wasted, leading to missed opportunities to nourish pupils, environmental impacts, and economic losses. This intervention study evaluated the long-term efficacy of three educational approaches (giving feedback to guests via plate waste tracker, pedagogic meals, and kitchen workshops) in reducing plate waste in school canteens across Europe (Austria, Germany, and Sweden). Following the intervention, a sustainability assessment was conducted, including environmental, economic, and social perspectives. The results showed that the plate waste tracker significantly reduced plate waste, by 17% (4 g/guest) from an already lower baseline level of 23 g/guest, while demonstrating long-term efficacy with sustained waste reduction up to 15 months post-implementation. This reduction lowered the environmental impacts (by 212 kg carbon dioxide equivalents per school & year) and nutrient losses (1018 MJ, 12 kg protein, and 4 kg fiber per school & year), while proving cost-effective with a payback period of only 1-2 years. Therefore, despite upfront costs and implementation barriers, food waste reduction measures in school canteens provide substantial long-term benefits across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, making them a valuable investment for sustainable school meal programs.

Dietary exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin through githeri and effectiveness of nixtamalization in reduction of these toxins in githeri from Turkana County.

Exposure of school children to aflatoxin and fumonisin is mainly through diet. In Kenyan public schools, children are given porridge made from maize flour for breakfast, a mixture of maize and beans, also known as githeri for lunch and ugali for dinner. Nixtamalization has proved to reduce mycotoxins in most cereals and not a mixture of maize and beans. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the exposure of primary school children in Turkana County to aflatoxin and fumonisin through maize-based food under the school meals program and the effectiveness of nixtamalization in the reduction of these mycotoxins. Samples of githeri were randomly collected from all public primary schools (n = 128) under the homegrown school meals program in Turkana County and analyzed for aflatoxin and fumonisin. The data was analyzed using SAS software, version 9.4. The deterministic model was used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the margin of exposure (MOE) used to characterize the exposure risk. The contaminated samples were then treated with various concentrations of Ca(OH)2, 0.5-2.5%. The treated samples were cooked for 60 and 75min and soaked for 6 and 8h. Forty percent of the schools contained githeri samples with aflatoxin B1 levels above 5µg/Kg, the maximum limit for Kenya. Exposure to aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was up to 2µg/kg/bw/day. The range for fumonisin exposure was 60-80µg/kg/bw/day. Ca(OH)2 concentration levels of up to 2.5% reduced aflatoxin by 75% and fumonisin by 72%. The findings indicate that githeri is contaminated with aflatoxin and fumonisin which exposes school children to these mycotoxins and nixtamalization can be used to reduce mycotoxin contamination in githeri.

Food Insecurity and the Utilization of School Meal Programs Among Minnesota Households with Children: Changes Following the Implementation of Universal Free School Meals

Food Insecurity and the Utilization of School Meal Programs Among Minnesota Households with Children: Changes Following the Implementation of Universal Free School Meals

The Impact of School Meal Provision on Teachers’ Performance and Students’ Academic Achievement in Sheema Municipality, Uganda

This study examines the impact of meal provision on both student academic performance and teacher welfare in public secondary schools in Sheema Municipality, Uganda. Grounded in motivational theories such as Herzberg’s Motivator-Hygiene Theory, Expectancy-Value Theories, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the research highlights the critical role of proper nutrition in supporting cognitive development and student concentration. Additionally, the study explores the effects of meal provision on teacher motivation and performance, finding that the availability of meals contributes significantly to teacher well-being and job satisfaction, which in turn enhances educational outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data from eight schools. Key findings indicate that schools face challenges in consistently providing nutritious meals due to financial constraints, exacerbating educational inequalities. A mean value of 4.3 on a 5-point Likert scale indicates broad agreement on the positive influence of meal provision on teacher welfare and student performance. The study recommends policy changes aimed at improving school meal programs by addressing financial and logistical barriers. These interventions are vital for promoting enhanced academic outcomes and the overall well-being of students and teachers in Sheema Municipality. Keywords: School meal provision, Teacher welfare, Academic performance, Nutrition in education, Sheema Municipality, Uganda

Challenges With School Meal Provisions in K-12 Public Schools: Findings From the National School COVID-19 Prevention Study.

School meals play a vital role in supporting student health. Access to school meals was disrupted during COVID-19-related school closures, impacting student nutritional intake and household food insecurity. Data from the National School COVID-19 Prevention Study Survey and school staff focus groups were used to examine challenges to school meal provision in K-12 public schools. Data were analyzed using R and MAXQDA. Survey data indicated that most schools served breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria or classroom during the 2021-2022 school year. City schools were less likely to experience challenges with receiving the foods and supplies needed for school meal programs. Qualitative data revealed that school meal participation increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, however schools encountered challenges when implementing the program including staff shortages and supply chain issues. Findings from this study can help strengthen the K-12 school meal system to equitably serve students in future public health emergencies.

The SABER School Feeding policy tool: a 10-year analysis of its use by countries in developing policies for their national school meals programs.

Since its launch in 2011, 59 governments have used the World Bank's Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) policy tool to design their national school-based health and nutrition programs. This tool guides governments to self-evaluate their education system policies against international benchmarks and identify actionable priorities to strengthen national programs. Thirty-two of the 49 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (65%) have undertaken a SABER review, and globally the approach has been adopted by 68% of the world's low-income countries and 54% of lower-middle-income countries. Analysis of 51 comparable SABER School Feeding surveys suggests that countries with longer established national school meals frameworks tend also to be more advanced in other policy areas, and vice versa. The SABER reviews consistently identify, perhaps predictably, that the weakest policy areas relate to program design, implementation and fiscal space. This analysis also found that the tool had an additional value in tracking the evolution of policies when implemented over several time points, and showed that policy areas become more advanced as national programs mature. These benefits of the tool are particularly relevant to the 98 countries that co-created the global School Meals Coalition in 2021. The Coalition member countries have the specific goal of enhancing coverage and support for the well-being of schoolchildren and adolescents affected by the school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SABER tool has the demonstrated potential to implement, accelerate and track changes in school meals policy and, since it has been previously used by 74% (31/42) of low- and lower-middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is an already accepted element of the political economies of those countries and so has the potential to be deployed rapidly.

Impact of a school-based food assistance program on household food insecurity in Greece, 2012–2019: a multi-year evaluation of the DIATROFI program

BackgroundChildhood food insecurity can persist among low socioeconomic areas in high-income countries. Universal Free School Meal (UFSM) programs are designed to respond to this pressing issue. This study aimed to conduct a multi-year evaluation of the DIATROFI Program’s impact on household food insecurity in Greece. MethodsThis study utilized data from 18,716 students (618 kindergarten to high schools), from low socioeconomic areas participating in the school-level UFSM Program DIATROFI between 2012 and 2019. Parents of students completed annual baseline and follow-up paper-based self-completed questionnaires. The primary outcome was household food insecurity, measured using the Food Security Survey Module (FSSM) at both questionnaires, and evaluated through mixed linear and logistic regression models with repeated measurements. FindingsStudents’ median age was 9 years old (Interquartile range (IQR): 6·5, 12·0), 51·6% (n=9,658) were girls, and 82·2% (n=15,382) lived in low/medium socioeconomic affluence households. Households with food insecurity reduced from 51·5% (n=9,630) to 47·6% (n=8,901) after one school year. Food insecurity score declined steadily for four years of consecutive participation, compared to baseline score (one-year b:–0·26; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):–0·30, –0·22, and four-year –1·28; –1·53, –1·03). The likelihood of retaining food insecure status reduced from 17% after one-year participation (Odds Ratio (OR): 0·83; 95% CI: 0·79, 0·87) to 36% after four-year participation (0·64; 0·49, 0·82). The Program’s impact on household food insecurity alleviation was greater among households with low parental education and low socioeconomic affluence. InterpretationThe DIATROFI Program effectively improved household food security during and after the Greek socioeconomic crisis. School-level UFSM programs targeting underprivileged students can improve household food insecurity, with a more pronounced effect with increased years of participation, and among economically disadvantaged households. FundingThe DIATROFI Program was funded through various national and private organizations, including national prefecture authorities, Greek payment authorities, philanthropic/charitable organizations, and private companies.

Fortified whole grains and whole blends: A timely food systems shift

Grains are central to food systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their predominant consumption in refined form contributes to the double burden of malnutrition and wastes precious food and natural resources in a world challenged by growing food insecurity and accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. Shifting consumption from refined grain foods to fortified whole grain and whole blend foods can improve food security and make diets healthier. This would also make food systems more efficient and resilient, and help mitigate the food crisis. School meal programs and other institutional and safety net markets offer the best entry points to initiate this necessary shift in food systems within LMICs.

Experiences participating in federal nutrition assistance programs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation in Vermont

BackgroundFederal nutrition assistance programs serve as safety nets for many American households, and participation has been linked to increased food security and, in some instances, improved diet quality and mental health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new and increased economic, social, and psychological challenges, necessitating inquiry into how nutrition assistance programs are functioning and associated with public health outcomes.MethodsUsing data from a representative statewide survey administered in Vermont (n = 600) between July and September 2020, we examined participant experiences with major federal nutrition assistance programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meal programs. We explored quantitative and qualitative responses regarding perceptions of program utility, and used nearest neighbors matching analyses in combination with bivariate statistical tests to assess associations between program participation and food insecurity, perceived stress, and fruit and vegetable intake as indicators of dietary quality.ResultsOne in four respondents (27.3%) used at least one federal nutrition assistance program. As compared to non-participants, we found higher rates of food insecurity among program participants (57.5% vs. 18.1%; p < 0.001), an association that persisted even when we compared similar households using matching techniques (p ≤ 0.001). From matched analyses, we found that, compared to low-income non-participants, low-income program participants were less likely to meet fruit intake recommendations (p = 0.048) and that low-income SNAP and WIC participants were less likely to meet vegetable intake recommendations (p = 0.035). We also found lower rates of perceived stress among low-income school meal participant households compared to low-income non-participants (p = 0.039). Despite these mixed outcomes, participants broadly valued federal nutrition assistance programs, characterizing them as helpful or easy to use.ConclusionsWe found that federal nutrition assistance programs as a group were not sufficient to address food insecurity and stress or increase fruit and vegetable intake in the state of Vermont during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, participants perceived benefits from participation in these programs. Optimizing the utility of nutrition assistance programs depends on critical examination of their functioning under conditions of great stress.

Universal free school meals: Examining factors influencing adoption of the Community Eligibility Provision

AbstractRecognizing school meals as critical safety nets for children in low‐income households, many states are passing legislation to adopt universal free school meals, linking their funding to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federally funded universal free school meal program. However, about half of all eligible school districts did not participate in CEP in the school year 2018–2019. Using a policy diffusion approach and a Cox regression model, this research demonstrates the importance of a school district's identified student percentage (poverty level) and a state's direct certification rate (certifying students for free meals) in increasing the likelihood of CEP adoption.

Nutrient Intakes and Diet Quality of Children Participating in the U.S. School Meals Program

Nutrient Intakes and Diet Quality of Children Participating in the U.S. School Meals Program

New Orleans school meal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and innovations identified through qualitative interviews

BackgroundSchool meal programs are critical to reducing childhood food insecurity. This study identified challenges and innovations in school meal service in a disaggregated charter school system during COVID-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative key informant interviews were conducted with school officials and school food providers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Using an immersion-crystallization approach, patterns were identified.ResultsNine participants described challenges and solutions/innovations in food service focused around five themes: food service, procurement and costs, staffing, communication and outreach, and collaborations and partnerships. Participants faced challenges in meal service logistics, procuring food and supplies, staffing shortages, timely communication, lack of city-wide coordination, and the need to rapidly shift operations due to an evolving pandemic. While the disaggregated system created challenges in a city-wide response, the decentralized system along with policy changes offered opportunities for flexibility and innovation in meal programs through new partnership and coordination between schools and community, development of new processes for food service and procurement, and diverse modes of communication.ConclusionThese findings add to the understanding of challenges faced and innovations implemented to continue school meal programs in a disaggregated school system. Collaboration with community organizations, leveraging resources, coordinated communication, and policies allowing for flexibility were key to response and should be encouraged to build capacity and resiliency in emergencies. In future city-wide emergency preparedness planning efforts, school leaders and food providers should be included in the planning to ensure continued equitable food access for students.

Serving hope: rethinking school meal programs in Latin America

Serving hope: rethinking school meal programs in Latin America

Balanced Nutrition Optimizes the Growth and Development of School Age Children

Background : Schools, as sites of teaching and learning, are intended to evolve into Health Promotion Schools. Objective : This activity aim to provide balanced nutrition health education which can optimize growth and development in school-aged children. Methods : The method of activity is community empowerment, which is accomplished through a series of health promotion. Result : This activity is useful for increasing students' knowledge, attitudes and behavior who can implement my food plate with a balanced nutritional pattern. Health promotion also plays a vital part in shaping food environments and access to healthy options. Through initiatives like school meal programs, community gardens, and partnerships with local businesses, health promotion efforts can ensure nutritious foods are available and affordable for all children, regardless of socioeconomic status. Conclusion : The nurse in charge of the UKS should carry out regular health promotions.

Role of Stakeholders’ Collaboration in the Implementation of School Feeding Programme: A Case of Twelve Years Basic Education Schools in Nyabihu District, Rwanda (2020-2022)

This study was carried out to assess the role of stakeholders’ collaboration in the implementation of school feeding programme of twelve years basic education schools in Nyabihu District, Rwanda. The study utilized a convergent research strategy to collect both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. Questionnaires, interviews, documentations and observation were the techniques employed to obtain the primary data and secondary data. The population of the study comprised of 75 stakeholders. Census sampling was used and samples of 75 stakeholders were drawn. For collecting data, researcher organized well-structured questionnaire; data were edited and sorted for the next stage. The data were presented in statistical tables, with frequencies and percentages for classifications of responses by statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) for easier analysis and interpretation. Data from interview sessions was obtained from 4 chairpersons of school general assembly committees. Data from documentation was obtained from school records whereas data from observation were obtained before and during lunch periods. The results indicated that there is positive and significant effect on the role of parents’ engagement on the implementation of school feeding program in twelve years basic education schools (R=.979, p&lt;0.05). To make implementation of school feeding program very successful, parents should make timely payments for their school food donations. To administer the school feeding program, parents should collaborate closely with school administration. Parents must participate in the school meal program rather than believing that it should only be funded by the government.

The Household Food Security Status of Food Assistance Programs and Food Security Initiatives

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate the household food security status of food assistance programs and food security initiatives. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to household food security status and food assistance programs. Preliminary empirical review revealed that food assistance programs, including SNAP, WIC, and school meal programs, played a critical role in improving food security among vulnerable populations. However, it emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to address underlying causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and systemic inequalities. Community-based initiatives and efforts to strengthen local food systems were identified as promising complements to traditional food assistance programs. Targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of different population groups were also deemed essential. Overall, the study highlighted the need for coordinated efforts from various stakeholders to build resilient and equitable food systems and ensure access to nutritious food for all. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Determinants of Health theory, Systems theory and Capability Approach may be used to anchor future studies on household food security. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in addressing food insecurity. It integrated theoretical frameworks such as the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) theory, highlighting the complex dynamics underlying food insecurity. Practically, it emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral approaches, community engagement, and participatory decision-making in program design and implementation. At the policy level, the study advocated for comprehensive strategies that prioritize food security as a fundamental human right, including strengthening and expanding existing food assistance programs, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting evidence-based policy reforms. Overall, the study advanced understanding and action on food security by addressing systemic drivers, promoting collaborative practices, and advocating for policy changes.

School Meals for All: A Qualitative Study Exploring Lessons in Successful Advocacy and Policymaking in Maine and California

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic focused national attention on food insecurity, equity, and the role of school meal programs in supporting children, families, and communities. In doing so, the pandemic created a rare policy window—an opportunity to advance a longstanding public health goal of guaranteed access to free school meals for all students. In July 2021, California and Maine became the first states to authorize school meal for all legislation (also known as universal free meals). ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore perspectives of policymakers, state agency officials, and advocates on the conditions and mechanisms that facilitated passage of school meal for all legislation in California and Maine. DesignA qualitative case study was conducted. ParticipantsBetween December 2021 and June 2022, semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 policymakers, state agency officials, and advocates. Statistical analysis performedInterviews were analyzed using principles of content analysis. Key themes are organized using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework for public policy. ResultsEleven key themes were identified. Lessons are drawn from the policy and advocacy strategies used to advance laws in California and Maine. For instance, paving the way with incremental policy change, tailoring messaging to diverse audiences, and organizing at the grassroots and grasstops levels were critical to success of advocacy efforts. ConclusionsPromising practices can guide efforts to expand access to school meals and advance other child nutrition policies in other states and nationally. Moving forward, lessons learned from implementation of universal free school meal legislation in California, Maine, and other early adopters should be documented and shared.

Combining the multi-level perspective framework with participatory scenario development to explore the many facets of food system transitions in Germany

Transitions to more sustainable food systems are urgently needed, but they are also very complex and hard to achieve. The integration of transdisciplinary approaches into transition research can help to understand and promote sustainable food system transitions, but remains an agenda item in this research field. To fill this gap, this article describes how the multi-level perspective (MLP) can be used as a framework for explorative, participatory scenario development. On the one hand, MLP provides scholars with a framework for understanding the dynamics of transitions. On the other hand, participatory scenario development brings together academic and non-academic actors and perspectives to explore and promote possible development pathways. Based on this framework, researchers and practitioners jointly co-created four scenarios of how the landscape of five relevant European food innovations located in established food systems or niches (alternative sources of proteins, prosumer initiatives, regional value chains, school meal programs, and dietary interventions) might change by 2040 and further explored how these food innovations might evolve under the scenarios. The results provide initial insights into the role that food innovations could play in different transition pathways and also indicate the value of a diverse portfolio of food innovations to respond to changing circumstances. Furthermore, the process allowed participants to develop a shared understanding of food system dynamics and explore potential future risks and opportunities for food innovations, showing that participatory scenarios based on the MLP framework are a useful lens for exploring sustainable food system transitions.

From plate to waste: Composition of school meal waste and associated carbon footprint and nutrient loss

Food waste significantly impacts the environment and nutrient availability. In Sweden, public meals generate 33,000 tonnes of food waste annually, with elementary schools contributing 9,200 tonnes. A composition analysis of plate waste from 4913 meals in two elementary schools in Uppsala, Sweden identified the wasted food components and quantities. This assessment aimed to gauge the embedded climate impact and nutrient loss. Findings revealed a carbon footprint of 1.0 kg CO2e/kg plate waste. Despite staple foods (potatoes, pasta, rice) being wasted the most (59 %), meat waste constituted the largest portion of the carbon footprint (61 %), despite being wasted the least (10 %). Plate waste was nutrient-dense, containing 4.8 MJ energy/kg and significant levels of protein (57 g/kg), and fiber (19 g/kg). To enhance the sustainability of school meal programs, tailored food waste prevention strategies in Swedish school canteens are recommended to mitigate their environmental impact and preserve valuable nutrients for children's nourishment.

Feeding our Future: school food and local agriculture in the Pacific

Utilising local and traditional foods in schools presents a significant opportunity within our region to ensure food and nutritional security, support local livelihoods by driving markets and employment opportunities, increasing food literacy, and help students to understand the role of, and develop a preference for these foods. School meals programs (SMP) are increasingly touted as a strategy for food system transformation(1), however, are not widely used in the Pacific Islands(2). Yet, there is increasing interest and momentum towards understanding school food and nutrition environments and the use of SMP in this region, especially with models that support and promote the integration of local, traditional climate-resilient, nutrient rich foods. When a large scale SMP may not be possible, other school food and nutrition activities can be utilised to support nutritious food choice. Evidence collected over the last five years provides information on the current situation, activities, and capacity for providing food in schools across the Pacific Islands (2,3,4). Activities across the region vary from national SMP to gardening programs, nutrition education, providing canteens/tuckshops and other ad hoc activities, for example events for World Food Day. Some activities have a requirement for the use of local food, while some prioritise local foods in gardening programs and work with local farmers. Recently it has been shown that youth are exposed to, and have access to significant amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPF) around schools(3). Mapping of the foods available to students within a 400m radius of 88 schools in Fiji found that sugar sweetened beverages were available in 80%, and lollies/confectionary in just over 60% of outlets. Fresh fruit was available in just over 20% of outlets, while fresh vegetables were available in less than 20% of outlets(3). While there are many challenges to providing local, traditional, nutritious foods in schools, including access to financial, human, and physical resources, stakeholders have told us that one of the most significant is how modernisation and colonisation of food systems have resulted in a preference for hyperpalatable UPF and how this makes it more challenging to incorporate local produce in a way that is accepted by students. This provides an opportunity to further explore and share ways to integrate local, traditional, climate-resilient, nutrient rich foods in schools to support children and adolescents to value, utilise, prefer, and advocate for these foods. There is a need to support the utilisation of traditional, local foods in schools by advocating for policy (at various levels, right from a school level upwards) that drives the use of these foods and creates more supportive school food environments.