Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Universal Free School Meals in NYS

Start Date: June 2023

ID #: 283-5113

Principal Investigator: Jennifer Cadenhead, PhD

Co-Principal Investigator: Pamela Koch, EdD

Organization: Teachers College, Columbia University

Funding Round: ARPA2

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When waivers for Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) ended in 2022, approximately 726,000 students lost access to free meals in New York (NY). This study examines the impact of maintaining (or de-implementing) Universal Free School Meals in NY, especially for Black and Hispanic/Latino families who may be disproportionately impacted by pre-existing inequities. This study will investigate: (1) the impact of maintaining UFSM on school meal participation and school meal debt; (2) the impact of UFSM among families at risk for nutrition insecurity and understanding barriers, motivators, and perceptions in participating in school meals and completing applications; and (3) the perception of Universal Free School Meals by food service directors.

Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Adults and Families, Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)

Keywords: COVID-19, Equity and disparities, Food insecurity, Rural, School meal programs, Urban

Resource Type: Grant Summary

State: New York

Focus Area: School & After School

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