Evaluation of Universal Free School Meals

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

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

States: California, Maine

Keywords: Food insecurity, School meal programs

Resource Type: Grant Summary

Focus Area: School & After School

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

June 2023

Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Universal Free School Meals in NYS

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 More

March 2023

Reducing Student Exposure to Digital Food and Beverage Marketing: Policy and Practice Recommendations

Digital marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children and adolescents is pervasive, highly effective, undermines healthy eating, and contributes to health inequities. Expanded use of electronic devices and remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the urgency for policy interventions to limit digital food marketing in schools and on school-issued devices. The US More