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 systematic review on strategies that increase school meal participation. These strategies have been shown to drive meaningful improvements in participation, require minimal funding, and are a low burden to implement, making them feasible strategies for school districts or states seeking to increase participation in school meals. The research found strong evidence that alternative breakfast models, such as breakfast in the classroom or grab-and-go breakfast, and restrictions on sales of snack foods and beverages can increase school meal participation.

Download the accompanying infographic for a snapshot of the findings here.