Orta-Aleman D, Zuercher MD, Bacon KA, Chelius C, Hecht CE, Hecht K, Ritchie LD, Cohen JFW, Gosliner W. 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 2024:S1499-4046(24)00100-3. [PMID:
38888536 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2024.04.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To reveal students' experiences and perspectives related to Universal School Meals (USM) under the federal coronavirus disease 2019 waivers during school years 2021-22.
DESIGN
Qualitative; 17 focus groups in June-July 2022.
SETTING
Virtual; students from 9 California regions in public and charter schools.
PARTICIPANTS
67 students (n = 31 in high school, n = 36 in middle school) from a racially and economically diverse sample.
PHENOMENON OF INTEREST
Students' perceived benefits and drawbacks of USM.
ANALYSIS
Thematic analysis using an immersion-crystallization approach.
RESULTS
Students appreciated USM for increasing school meals' accessibility, promoting food security by financially supporting families, reducing the stigma associated with school meals, simplifying the payment system, and enhancing school meals convenience. An increase in school meal participation was observed. However, concerns emerged regarding a perceived decline in food quality and quantity and increased food waste.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Universal School Meals showed promise in increasing access to meals, reducing food insecurity, stigma, and increasing participation. Addressing food quality, quantity, and waste concerns is critical for its sustained success. Policymakers need to advocate for the expansion and continuous refinement of USM, prioritizing stakeholder feedback. Ensuring adequate funding to balance meal quality and quantity while minimizing waste is essential for an adequate school meal policy.
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