| Title: |
Foodservice Directors' Perceived Barriers to Student Participation in School Meals When Meals Were Served Free of Charge during the 2021-2022 School Year |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Deborah A. Olarte; Wendi Gosliner; Leah E. Chapman (ORCID 0000-0003-3773-2996); Christina Hecht; Ken Hecht; Punam Ohri-Vachaspati; Anisha I. Patel (ORCID 0000-0001-9198-7936); Margaret Read; Lorrene D. Ritchie; Marlene B. Schwartz (ORCID 0000-0002-8939-1954); Monica D. Zuercher (ORCID 0000-0003-2758-9807); Dania Orta-Aleman (ORCID 0000-0001-8581-8714); Michele Polacsek (ORCID 0000-0002-9646-7435); Juliana F. W. Cohen |
| Source: |
Journal of School Health. 2025 95(8):575-586. |
| Availability: |
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Lunch Programs; Breakfast Programs; Public Schools; COVID-19; Pandemics; Food Service; Student Attitudes; Preferences; Food; Barriers; Student Participation; Time; Social Bias |
| Geographic Terms: |
California |
| DOI: |
10.1111/josh.70019 |
| ISSN: |
0022-4391; 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: |
Background: School meals were served free of charge to all public school students in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some students still did not participate. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, surveys and interviews were conducted with food service directors (FSDs) from California (n = 556 surveys; n = 29 interviews) and Maine (n = 43 surveys; n = 20 interviews) during spring 2022. Survey data was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models, and interview data was analyzed using the immersion/crystallization approach. Results: Students' preference to eat meals from home or elsewhere (81.5%) and negative perceptions of the school food's taste (67%) were the most common barriers reported. Schools' prior community eligibility provision (CEP) participation and smaller student enrollment were associated with fewer reported barriers. Inadequate time to eat lunch and stigma were also reported as barriers to participation. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Investments are needed to help schools partner with students to optimize school meal experiences and to improve food taste. Policies that provide school meals free of charge for all students can also help reduce negative social barriers such as stigma. Conclusions: Despite the provision of USM, barriers to participation remain. Policies to enhance meal quality and program implementation are needed. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1476634 |
| Database: |
ERIC |