Strengthening the Impact of USDA’s Child Nutrition Summer Feeding Programs During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published: May 2021

Publisher: Healthy Eating Research

Authors: Soldavini J, Franckle RL, Dunn C, Turner L, Fleischhacker S

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To address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilization of the USDA child nutrition summer feeding programs has drastically increased. Given the unprecedented use of the summer feeding programs, this research brief will (1) explain the meal pattern requirements and select operational differences between the summer feeding programs and the federal meal programs typically utilized during a traditional school year; (2) summarize summer feeding programs’ evidence of effectiveness, with a focus on food insecurity and nutrition quality; (3) discuss key summer feeding programs challenges, adaptations, needs, and opportunities resulting from COVID-19; and (4) identify critical knowledge gaps and opportunities with the greatest likelihood to shape future summer feeding programs policy and practice.

 

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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: Food insecurity, Fruits and vegetables, Nutrition standards, School meal programs

State: National

Focus Areas: Nutrition Policy & Programs, School & After School

Resource Type: Research Brief

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