| Title: |
Challenges with School Meal Provisions in K-12 Public Schools: Findings from the National School COVID-19 Prevention Study |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
India Rose (ORCID 0009-0009-7879-7084); Caitlin Merlo; Cherrelle Dorleans; Luke McConnell; Colleen Murray; Sanjana Pampati (ORCID 0000-0003-2202-1884); Sarah Lee; Margaret Applebaum |
| Source: |
Journal of School Nursing. 2025 41(6):719-730. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) (DHHS/CDC) |
| Contract Number: |
GS00F010CA; 75D30121F10577 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; Lunch Programs; Breakfast Programs; Child Health; COVID-19; Pandemics; Barriers; Nutrition; Hunger; Student Participation; Prevention; Disease Control |
| DOI: |
10.1177/10598405241267020 |
| ISSN: |
1059-8405; 1546-8364 |
| Abstract: |
School meals play a vital role in supporting student health. Access to school meals was disrupted during COVID-19-related school closures, impacting student nutritional intake and household food insecurity. Data from the National School COVID-19 Prevention Study Survey and school staff focus groups were used to examine challenges to school meal provision in K-12 public schools. Data were analyzed using R and MAXQDA. Survey data indicated that most schools served breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria or classroom during the 2021-2022 school year. City schools were less likely to experience challenges with receiving the foods and supplies needed for school meal programs. Qualitative data revealed that school meal participation increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, however schools encountered challenges when implementing the program including staff shortages and supply chain issues. Findings from this study can help strengthen the K-12 school meal system to equitably serve students in future public health emergencies. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1491650 |
| Database: |
ERIC |