Start Date: July 2022

ID #: 283-5106

Principal Investigator: Juliana Cohen, ScD, ScM

Co-Principal Investigator: Wendi Gosliner, DrPH, MPH

Organization: Merrimack College

Funding Round: 2021 Special Solicitation on COVID-19 and Socioeconomic Recovery Efforts

See more related research

Share


The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of continuing Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) in Maine and California with the impact of de-implementing UFSM in control states during the 2022-23 school year. Specific aims are to examine: (1) school meal participation rates using administrative claims data from 20 states; and (2) household food security among lower-income households. Secondary aims are to examine the impact of continuing (or discontinuing) UFSM on: (1) foodservice programs, including documentation of challenges (e.g., school meal debt) and supportive strategies (e.g., effective messaging to promote school meal participation); and (2) barriers and motivators to participating in school meals and completing school meal application forms among households at risk for food insecurity.

Start Date: 8/1/2022

Related Research

July 2022

The Effect of Pandemic EBT on Food Hardship and Family Well-being

Pandemic EBT is a new program, operating since March 2020, that provides children who receive free or reduced-price meals with a voucher to purchase groceries for an amount equal to the value of school meals missed due to pandemic-related school closures. This program is being considered as a model for future nutritional assistance programs. Although More

February 2023

Rapid Health Impact Assessment on Changes to School Nutrition Standards to Align with 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The national school breakfast and lunch programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are cornerstone federal nutrition assistance programs. School meals are one of the healthiest sources of foods for school-age children, which is significant as some children receive up to half of their daily calories at school. Policy opportunities in 2023 More

November 2022

Promising Strategies to Increase Student Participation in School Meals

School meal programs play a critical role in feeding children. Meals served in school are generally of better nutritional quality than those that students bring from home and have been linked to improved academic performance and household food security. The aim of this research brief is to highlight and summarize rigorous evidence from a new More