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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; 56:599-610. [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] [MESH Headings] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Orta-Aleman
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA.
| | - Monica D Zuercher
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
| | - Kassandra A Bacon
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
| | - Carolyn Chelius
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
| | - Christina E Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
| | - Kenneth Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
| | - Juliana F W Cohen
- School of Nursing and Health Science, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA
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Joyce CR, McLoughlin GM, Tripicchio GL, Jones GJ. An implementation evaluation of a sports-based health intervention for underrepresented middle school youth in Philadelphia. Transl Behav Med 2024:ibae039. [PMID: 39151026 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent, community-based programs aiming to improve health behaviors in youth are needed but can be challenging to implement. Research is needed to better understand the factors that facilitate and inhibit effective implementation of these programs especially for youth at increased risk of health disparities. This study aimed to identify and explore the implementation determinants and outcomes of a multicomponent health intervention conducted from 2021 to 2022 for middle school students living in underserved communities in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Mixed methods approaches, including self-report surveys and semi-structured qualitative interviews, were administered to 18 members of the implementation staff at the end of the program, including coaches (n = 7), assistant coaches (n = 2), school champions (n = 6), administrative leaders (n = 2), and a school district administrator (n = 1). Survey and interview questions were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), and interviews were thematically coded following transcription based on 26 CFIR constructs. Innovation source, evidence strength and quality, cosmopolitanism, and the personal attributes of individuals were key constructs associated with implementation effectiveness. Data revealed three multidimensional themes that highlighted broader challenges influencing implementation: (i) broad consensus, different interpretations, (ii) staffing challenges, and (iii) continuity is key. The need for the program was clearly recognized and overall belief in the purpose of the intervention was strong among key program staff and administration. However, issues including limited engagement with training, staffing turnover, and the rotational programming design hindered implementation. Future projects aiming to implement multicomponent after-school time interventions must ensure a consistent vision among partners and continuity in program delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara R Joyce
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gabriella M McLoughlin
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Washington University Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gina L Tripicchio
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gareth J Jones
- School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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3
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Rose I, Merlo C, Dorleans C, McConnell L, Murray C, Pampati S, Lee S, Applebaum M. Challenges With School Meal Provisions in K-12 Public Schools: Findings From the National School COVID-19 Prevention Study. J Sch Nurs 2024:10598405241267020. [PMID: 39056195 DOI: 10.1177/10598405241267020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Rose
- Public Health Solutions Portfolio, ICF, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Caitlin Merlo
- CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Luke McConnell
- Public Health Solutions Portfolio, ICF, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Colleen Murray
- Public Health Solutions Portfolio, ICF, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sanjana Pampati
- CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Lee
- CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret Applebaum
- Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture, New Alexandria, VA, USA
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Chapman LE, Gosliner W, Olarte DA, Ritchie LD, Schwartz MB, Polacsek M, Hecht CE, Hecht K, Turner L, Patel AI, Zuercher MD, Read M, Daly TP, Cohen JFW. Universal School Meals During the Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Parent Perceptions From California and Maine. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00217-X. [PMID: 38735530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Congress authorized the US Department of Agriculture to waive a variety of school meal regulations and funded school meals daily for all students at no charge regardless of family income. Because federal Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) ended with the 2021-2022 school year, several states, including California and Maine, adopted state-level UFSM policies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand parent perceptions of school meals and the federal and new state UFSM policies in California and Maine, including potential challenges and benefits to students and households. DESIGN A mixed methods study design was used. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was administered, and semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and Spanish during the 2021-2022 school year. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING The quantitative survey was administered to parents of students in elementary, middle, and high schools in rural, suburban, and urban communities in California (n = 1110) and Maine (n = 80). Qualitative interviews were then conducted with a subset of these parents in California (n = 46) and Maine (n = 20) using Zoom (Zoom Video Communications). Most survey participants (708 of 1190 [59.5%]) and interviewees (40 of 66 [60.6%]) were parents of students who were eligible for free or reduced-price meals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Parents' perceptions of UFSM, school meal quality, and experiences applying for free or reduced-price meals were examined. ANALYSES PERFORMED Tests of proportions were used to analyze survey data. Using grounded theory, interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively by 2 trained research assistants, applying principles of content analysis to identify themes and domains. Inter-rater reliability was conducted. RESULTS Parents perceived that school meals and UFSM saved families money and time, as parents had fewer meals to purchase and prepare for their children. In addition, UFSM reduced parents' stress and reduced stigma for children and for parents, who described feelings of embarrassment when they previously filled out paperwork for free or reduced-price meals. Although parent perceptions of school meal quality and healthfulness were mixed, most parents reported feeling grateful for school meals. CONCLUSIONS Parents had mixed opinions on the quality and healthfulness of school meals, but believed UFSM saved them money and time and reduced their stress. Parents also felt UFSM reduced stigma for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Elizabeth Chapman
- Department of Nutrition, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Deborah A Olarte
- Department of Nutrition, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Marlene B Schwartz
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Michele Polacsek
- Center for Excellence in Public Health, University of New England, Portland, Maine
| | - Christina E Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Kenneth Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Lindsey Turner
- Center for School and Community Partnerships, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Anisha I Patel
- Division of General Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Monica Daniela Zuercher
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Margaret Read
- Partnership for a Healthier America, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Tara P Daly
- Center for Health Inclusion Research, and Practice, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts
| | - Juliana F W Cohen
- Center for Health Inclusion Research, and Practice, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts
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Hecht AA, Gosliner W, Turner L, Hecht K, Hecht CE, Ritchie LD, Polacsek M, Cohen JFW. School Meals for All: A Qualitative Study Exploring Lessons in Successful Advocacy and Policymaking in Maine and California. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024:S2212-2672(24)00206-5. [PMID: 38718858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 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). OBJECTIVE The 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. DESIGN A qualitative case study was conducted. PARTICIPANTS Between December 2021 and June 2022, semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 policymakers, state agency officials, and advocates. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED Interviews were analyzed using principles of content analysis. Key themes are organized using Kingdon's multiple streams framework for public policy. RESULTS Eleven 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. CONCLUSIONS Promising 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie A Hecht
- Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Lindsey Turner
- College of Education, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
| | - Kenneth Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Christina E Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Oakland, California
| | - Michele Polacsek
- Center for Excellence in Public Health, University of New England, Portland, Maine
| | - Juliana F W Cohen
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Pinto G, Reyes GA, Corea P, Pflugh Prescott M, Stasiewicz MJ. Time and temperature abuse of milk in conditions representing a school cafeteria share table does not meaningfully reduce microbial quality. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:2733-2747. [PMID: 37949407 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Share tables (ST) are tables or stations in school cafeterias where students can return unopened foods and beverages, providing an opportunity to access these items at no cost. Currently, research suggests that milk is among the most wasted items in breakfast and lunch programs in the United States. Share tables present a simple solution for reducing milk waste, but research is needed to understand the microbial spoilage potential of milk in ST. To this end, uninoculated milk cartons and milk cartons inoculated with 2 to 3 log10(cfu/mL) Pseudomonas poae, a fast-growing psychrotroph, was exposed to ambient temperature during winter (mean temperature = 20.3°C) and summer (23.1°C) for 125 min, repeated over 5 d (the length of a school week). Microbial counts in the inoculated milk cartons increased linearly, exceeding the spoilage threshold of 6.0 log10(cfu/mL) after d 3 and after d 4 in the winter and summer season trials, respectively. In the winter trial, the microbial counts for uninoculated milk cartons never exceeded the lower limit of detection, 2.31 log10(cfu/mL), and in the summer trials, microbial counts never reached the spoilage threshold, indicating that initial contamination is a driving factor of microbial milk spoilage. Regardless of sharing status or seasonality, the greatest changes in counts for inoculated milk cartons occurred during overnight refrigeration, ranging from 0.56 to 1.4 log10(cfu/mL), while during the share table ranged from no observable change up to 0.29 log10(cfu/mL), emphasizing that school nutrition personnel should focus efforts on tightly controlling refrigeration temperatures and returning milk to refrigeration as soon as possible. A previously developed model for school cafeteria share tables was adapted to understand the typical residence time of milk in a simulated cafeteria with an ambient temperature share table for the summer and winter seasons over 1,000 wk. Milk was predicted to have a very short mean residence time (85 min) regardless of sharing status or season, with 99.8% of milk consumed, discarded, or donated within the first 2 d. As a result, only 3 out of 451,410 and 6 out of 451,410 simulated milks spoiled in the winter and summer seasons, respectively. The data generated here can be used to inform science-based decision-making for including milk in share tables, or applied to any system where one might have to accept short-term unrefrigerated storage of milk to meet a waste reduction or food security goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pinto
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Gustavo A Reyes
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Paola Corea
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Melissa Pflugh Prescott
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Matthew J Stasiewicz
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801.
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Zuercher MD, Cohen JFW, Hecht CA, Hecht K, Orta-Aleman D, Patel A, Olarte DA, Chapman LE, Read M, Schwartz MB, Ritchie LD, Gosliner W. Parent Perceptions of School Meals Influence Student Participation in School Meal Programs. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 56:230-241. [PMID: 38583880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if parent perceptions of school meals influence student participation. DESIGN In May 2022, an online survey was used to evaluate parents' perceptions of school meals and their children's participation. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1,110 California parents of kindergarten through 12th-grade students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Student participation in school lunch and breakfast. ANALYSIS Principal component analysis and Poisson regression models. RESULTS Three groups of parental perceptions were identified: (1) positive perceptions (eg, liking school meals and thinking that they are tasty and healthy), (2) perceived benefits to families (eg, school meals save families money, time, and stress), and (3) negative (eg, concerns about the amount of sugar in school meals and stigma). More positive parental perceptions about school meals and their benefits to families were associated with greater student meal participation. In contrast, more negative parental perceptions were associated with reduced student participation in school meals (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Parent perceptions of school meals may affect student participation in school meal programs. Working to ensure parents are familiar with the healthfulness and quality of school meals and the efforts schools are making to provide high-quality, appealing meals may be critical for increasing school meal participation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Zuercher
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA.
| | - Juliana F W Cohen
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Christina A Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Kenneth Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Dania Orta-Aleman
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Anisha Patel
- Stanford Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Deborah A Olarte
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
| | - Leah E Chapman
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
| | - Margaret Read
- Partnership for a Healthier America, Prince Frederick, MD
| | - Marlene B Schwartz
- Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA
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Cohen JFW, Kesack A, Daly TP, Elnakib SA, Hager E, Hahn S, Hamlin D, Hill A, Lehmann A, Lurie P, Maroney M, Means J, Mueller MP, Olarte DA, Polacsek M, Schwartz MB, Sonneville KR, Spruance LA, Woodward AR, Chapman LE. Competitive Foods' Nutritional Quality and Compliance with Smart Snacks Standards: An Analysis of a National Sample of U.S. Middle and High Schools. Nutrients 2024; 16:275. [PMID: 38257169 PMCID: PMC10818474 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Snacks and beverages are often sold in addition to meals in U.S. schools ("competitive foods"), but their current nutritional quality and compliance with national Smart Snacks standards are unknown. This study assessed competitive foods in a national sample of 90 middle and high schools. Differences in compliance by school characteristics were measured using mixed methods analysis of variance. Overall, 80% of the schools in the sample sold competitive foods; but they were less commonly available in schools with universal free school meal (UFSM) policies. A total of 840 unique products were documented and, on average, 75% were compliant with Smart Snacks standards. A total of 56% aligned with recommended added sugar limits (<10% of calories); and 340 unique products (40%) aligned with both sugar and Smart Snacks standards. Approximately one-fifth of competitive foods contained synthetic dyes, and 31% of beverages contained artificial sweeteners. Smart Snacks standards compliance was greater when competitive foods were overseen by food service departments, in comparison with others (e.g., principals, student organizations, or outside vendors [77% vs. 59% compliance; p = 0.003]). Therefore, district wellness policies should consider requiring food service departments to oversee competitive foods. Federal and state policies should limit added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic dyes. This appears to be highly feasible, given the substantial number of products that meet these criteria. UFSM policies should also be considered to support healthier school meal environments more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana F. W. Cohen
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research and Practice (CHIRP), Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845, USA; (A.K.); (T.P.D.); (D.A.O.); (L.E.C.)
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ashley Kesack
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research and Practice (CHIRP), Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845, USA; (A.K.); (T.P.D.); (D.A.O.); (L.E.C.)
| | - Tara P. Daly
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research and Practice (CHIRP), Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845, USA; (A.K.); (T.P.D.); (D.A.O.); (L.E.C.)
| | - Sara A. Elnakib
- Department of Family and Community Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Erin Hager
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Samuel Hahn
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA (A.H.); (P.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Daniel Hamlin
- Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; (D.H.); (J.M.)
| | - Alla Hill
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA (A.H.); (P.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Annie Lehmann
- School of Allied Health, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA;
| | - Peter Lurie
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA (A.H.); (P.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Meghan Maroney
- Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC 20005, USA (A.H.); (P.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Jaydn Means
- Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK 74135, USA; (D.H.); (J.M.)
| | - Megan P. Mueller
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, 1571 Campus Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Deborah A. Olarte
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research and Practice (CHIRP), Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845, USA; (A.K.); (T.P.D.); (D.A.O.); (L.E.C.)
| | - Michele Polacsek
- Center for Excellence in Public Health, University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103, USA;
| | - Marlene B. Schwartz
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1 Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT 06103, USA;
| | - Kendrin R. Sonneville
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Lori A. Spruance
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | | | - Leah E. Chapman
- Center for Health Inclusion, Research and Practice (CHIRP), Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845, USA; (A.K.); (T.P.D.); (D.A.O.); (L.E.C.)
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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9
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Martinelli S, Melnick EM, Acciai F, St. Thomas A, Ohri-Vachaspati P. Parent Perceptions and Opinions of Universal Free School Meals in Arizona. Nutrients 2024; 16:213. [PMID: 38257106 PMCID: PMC10820707 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA allowed all US schools to offer meals at no cost regardless of family income, a policy referred to as Universal Free Meals or Healthy School Meals for All (HSM4A). Despite the recognized benefits and popularity of HSM4A during the pandemic, the policy expired in June 2022. The goal of this study was to gather perceptions of parents in Arizona about school meals, the HSM4A program, and the discontinuation of HSM4A. In collaboration with a local anti-hunger group, using an online survey distributed in September and October 2022, we collected data from a diverse sample of over 2000 parents living in Arizona. Parents unequivocally supported HSM4A during the pandemic (97%) and expressed support for continuing to offer HSM4A (95%). High levels of support were seen across all groups in the study, including from individuals who identified as politically conservative. We also analyzed 750 responses to an open-ended question asking respondents to share their thoughts about offering meals to all Arizona students regardless of family income. The majority of emergent themes related to perceived benefits of HSM4A, including reducing financial burden and stress for families. Our findings will be useful for advocates and policy makers considering HSM4A legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Martinelli
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
| | - Emily M. Melnick
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
| | - Francesco Acciai
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
| | | | - Punam Ohri-Vachaspati
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (E.M.M.); (F.A.); (P.O.-V.)
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10
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Zuercher MD, Cohen JFW, Ohri-Vachaspati P, Hecht CA, Hecht K, Polacsek M, Olarte DA, Read M, Patel AI, Schwartz MB, Chapman LE, Orta-Aleman D, Ritchie LD, Gosliner W. Parent perceptions of school meals and how perceptions differ by race and ethnicity. HEALTH AFFAIRS SCHOLAR 2024; 2:qxad092. [PMID: 38756406 PMCID: PMC10986222 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Parental perceptions of school meals can affect student participation and overall support for school meal policies. Little is known about parental school meal perceptions under universal free school meals (UFSM) policies. We assessed California parents' perceptions of school meals during the COVID-19 emergency response with federally funded UFSM and whether perceptions differed by race/ethnicity. Among 1110 California parents of K-12 students, most reported school meals benefit their families, saving them money (81.6%), time (79.2%), and stress (75.0%). Few reported that their child would be embarrassed to eat school meals (11.7%), but more parents of White students than Hispanic students reported this. Many parents reported that their child likes to eat lunch to be with friends (64.7%); about half felt their child has enough time to eat (54.2%). Fewer parents perceived school lunches to be of good quality (36.9%), tasty (39.6%), or healthy (44.0%). Parents of Hispanic and Asian students had less favorable perceptions of school meal quality, taste, and healthfulness than parents of White students. Parents report that school meals benefit their families, but policy efforts are needed to ensure schools have the resources needed to address cultural appropriateness. Schools should address parental perceptions of meals to optimize participation, nutrition security, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Zuercher
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Juliana F W Cohen
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice (CHIRP), Merrimack College, North Andover, MA 01845, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Punam Ohri-Vachaspati
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Christina A Hecht
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Kenneth Hecht
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Michele Polacsek
- Center for Excellence in Public Health, University of New England, Portland, ME 04103, United States
| | - Deborah A Olarte
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice (CHIRP), Merrimack College, North Andover, MA 01845, United States
| | - Margaret Read
- Share Our Strength, Washington, DC 20005, United States
| | - Anisha I Patel
- Stanford Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Marlene B Schwartz
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health & Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06013, United States
| | - Leah E Chapman
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice (CHIRP), Merrimack College, North Andover, MA 01845, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Dania Orta-Aleman
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Lorrene D Ritchie
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
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11
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Sohlberg TM, Higuchi EC, Ordonez VM, Escobar GV, De La Rosa A, Islas G, Castro C, Hecht K, Hecht CE, Bruce JS, Patel AI. Parent Perception of School Meals in the San Joaquin Valley during COVID-19: A Photovoice Project. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051087. [PMID: 36904087 PMCID: PMC10005543 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
School-based nutrition programs are crucial to reducing food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted students' school meal participation. This study seeks to understand parent views of school meals during COVID-19 to inform efforts to improve participation in school meal programs. Photovoice methodology was used to explore parental perception of school meals in San Joaquin Valley, California, a region of predominately Latino farmworker communities. Parents in seven school districts photographed school meals for a one-week period during the pandemic and then participated in focus group discussions and small group interviews. Focus group discussions and small group interviews were transcribed, and data were analyzed using a team-based, theme-analysis approach. Three primary domains emerged: benefits of school meal distribution, meal quality and appeal, and perceived healthfulness. Parents perceived school meals as beneficial to addressing food insecurity. However, they noted that meals were unappealing, high in added sugar, and unhealthy, which led to discarded meals and decreased participation in the school meal program. The transition to grab-and-go style meals was an effective strategy for providing food to families during pandemic school closures, and school meals remain an important resource for families experiencing food insecurity. However, negative parental perceptions of the appeal and nutritional content of school meals may have decreased school meal participation and increased food waste that could persist beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatum M. Sohlberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, Office F110, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
- Correspondence: (T.M.S.); (A.I.P.); Tel.: +1-650-497-1181 (T.M.S. & A.I.P.)
| | - Emma C. Higuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, Office F110, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Valeria M. Ordonez
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, Office F110, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Gabriela V. Escobar
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, Office F110, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, 1111 Franklin Street, 5th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - Christina E. Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, 1111 Franklin Street, 5th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - Janine S. Bruce
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, Office F110, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Anisha I. Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3145 Porter Drive, Office F110, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
- Correspondence: (T.M.S.); (A.I.P.); Tel.: +1-650-497-1181 (T.M.S. & A.I.P.)
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