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: 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. Few packed lunches and snacks brought from home meet National School Lunch Program standards. Positively Impacts Health and Obesity Rates
Participation in federally-funded child care nutrition or school meals provided in child care, preschool, school, or summer settings is associated with a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) among young, low-income children. These findings lead researchers to conclude that “subsidized meals at school or day care are beneficial for children’s weight status, and we argue that expanding access to subsidized meals may be the most effective tool to use in combating obesity in poor children.” Based on national data, economists estimate that the receipt of a free or reduced-price school lunch reduces obesity rates by at least 17 percent. Receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduces poor health by at least 29 percent based on estimates using national data.