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.
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
State: National
Age Groups: Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8), Adolescents (grades 9 to 12)
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Resource Type: Journal Article
Focus Area: School & After School
Keywords: Fruits and vegetables, School meal programs
Related Research
January 2016
Examining the Association Between Schools’ Nutrition Environment and Children’s Weight Status by Income and Race/Ethnicity
There is interest among school administrators, researchers, and policymakers for information to guide choices in selecting school-based nutrition interventions and efficiently allocating resources. This study will systematically evaluate the nutrition strategies that schools across the country have initiated for obesity prevention to determine which school nutrition programs and policies are … More
July 2020
Stories of Success: A Qualitative Examination of Contributors to Excellence in School Drinking Water Access
Drinking water instead of beverages with added sugar can help prevent obesity and cavities and promote overall health. Children spend much of their day in school, where they have variable access to drinking water. In 2010, federal and state law required California public schools to provide free potable water to … More
April 2020
Prioritizing Health in State ESSA Plans and Report Cards to Support the Whole Child
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law on December 10, 2015, reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. ESSA created an opportunity to broaden accountability beyond traditional subjects, such as math, to potentially focus on health and wellness in schools. States could select health and … More