Accessibility and Nutrition Barriers in School Meals

Social, Dietary, Education

School lunch programs have evolved since the 19th century, becoming federally funded with the National School Lunch Act of 1946. Today, organizations like the USDA, School Nutrition Association, and World Food Programme advocate for accessibility and nutrition. Key issues include stigma, where students avoid meals due to social perceptions, budget constraints limiting meal quality to $1.25 per meal, and exclusivity, where eligibility requirements exclude many in need. Universal Free Meals, implemented during the pandemic, boosted participation and academic performance but expired in 2022. Only eight states continued the program, despite its success in reducing hunger and improving learning. Expanding universal meals, enhancing nutritional standards, and reassessing funding allocation are crucial to ensuring equitable access to healthy school meals.