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: 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. Rates of food insecurity among children are higher in the summer — a time when many do not have access to the good nutrition provided by the school meal programs available during the academic year. Improves Dietary Intake
Children participating in school meals are less likely to have nutrient inadequacies and are more likely to consume fruit, vegetables, and milk at breakfast and lunch. Low-income students who eat both school breakfast and lunch have significantly better overall diet quality than low-income students who do not eat school meals. The new school meal nutrition standards are having a positive impact on student food selection and consumption, especially for fruits and vegetables. Packed lunches brought from home by pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students have more calories, fat, saturated fat, and sugar than school lunches, and less protein, fiber, vitamin A, and calcium, according to a study conducted after implementation of the new school meal nutrition standards.