Title: Benefits of School Lunch - Food Research & Action Center
Headings: Benefits of School Lunch
Benefits of School Lunch
Quick Facts
School Lunch Participation:
School Nutrition Standards Improve the School Nutrition Environment and Student Outcomes

Content: Benefits of School Lunch - Food Research & Action Center
Benefits of School Lunch
Home > Federal Nutrition Programs > National School Lunch Program > Benefits of School Lunch
School lunch is critical to student health and well-being, especially for low-income students—and ensures that students have nutrition they need throughout the day to learn. Research shows that receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduces food insecurity, obesity rates, and poor health. In addition, the new school meal nutrition standards are having a positive impact on student food selection and consumption, especially for fruits and vegetables. Quick Facts
Reimbursable meals must meet federal nutrition standards. National School Lunch Program lunches provide one-third or more of the recommended levels for key nutrients. Reimbursable meals must provide no more than 30 percent of calories from fat and less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat. New nutrition standards phased in since the 2012-2013 school year required schools to increase whole grains, fruits, and vegetables served through the National School Lunch Program. School Lunch Participation: Reduces Food Insecurity
According to one estimate using national data, receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduces food insecurity by at least 3.8 percent. Among a sample of low-income children entering kindergarten, receiving a free or reduced-price school lunch reduces the probability of household food insecurity at school entry, whereas paying full price for school lunch is associated with a higher probability of household food insecurity.