Eating School Meals Daily Is Associated with Healthier Dietary Intakes: The Healthy Communities Study

Published: March 2018

ID #: 73272

Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet

Authors: Au LE, Gurzo K, Gosliner W, Webb KL, Crawford PB, Ritchie LD

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This study examines the association between frequency of participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and children’s dietary intakes. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Dietary Screener Questionnaire was used to measure dietary intake of fruit and vegetables, fiber, whole grains, dairy, calcium, total added sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, and energy-dense foods. The study found children who ate school breakfast every day, compared with children who ate school breakfast 0-4 days per week, reported consuming more fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, whole grains, dairy, and calcium. Children who ate school lunch every day, compared to those who ate less frequently, consumed more dairy and calcium. Overall, eating school breakfast and lunch every day was found to be associated with modestly higher dietary intakes.

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

Keywords: Fruits and vegetables, School meal programs

Resource Type: Journal Article

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic

State: National

Focus Area: School & After School

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