FROM THE BLOG
with Nadira Johnson
The Importance of School Meals in Food Deserts
School meals play a critical role in ensuring children receive healthy meals. In fact, a study conducted by Tufts University found that schools serve the healthiest meals in America. For years, many districts were required to collect applications and income verification from families to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. However, federal nutrition waivers allowed schools to provide free meals to all students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthy school meals at no cost to families positively impact all students, but can be especially important for children living in food deserts. Food deserts are areas with limited access to healthy and affordable food. Communities in which 33% of the population are low-income and located more than one mile from a grocery store in an urban area or 10 miles in a rural area are considered food deserts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture . For children living in food deserts, school is most likely where they receive their most nutritious meals. Many children consume up to half of their caloric intake at school. School meals are vital for ensuring that children living in food deserts or experiencing food insecurity receive a well-balanced meal for breakfast and lunch. Because these food deserts are short on healthy, affordable food options, they are more
likely to have multiple fast-food restaurants promoting unhealthy food items at a low cost. For families struggling to make ends meet and those with limited transportation options, food from the value menu at a fast-food restaurant is more affordable and accessible than a healthy meal from a grocery store that may be miles away. School meals provide consistent and accessible nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch. In addition to supporting good nutrition, school meals are positively associated with student mental health, physical health, and academic performance.
In many low-income communities, schools may participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows them to serve meals to all students at no cost. Instead, these schools use enrollment in other state and federal means based programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary
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