Healthy School Meals for All in Utah

Abstract

BackgroundThe National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs reduce food insecurity and improve dietary intake. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, school meals were provided to all children at no cost, regardless of income. This policy is known as Healthy School Meals For All (HSMFA). The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of a HSMFA policy in Utah.MethodsA mixed‐methods approach was used, including qualitative interviews for policymakers, surveys for school foodservice directors, and financial modeling of Utah Child Nutrition Programs data. Analysis included a phenomenological analytic approach for qualitative data, descriptive statistics for surveys, and development of a cost model with 6 scenarios.ResultsQualitative data revealed themes of (1) awareness; (2) responsibility; (3) perspectives on school meals; and (4) new opportunities. Most (81%) foodservice directors believed HSMFA should continue post‐pandemic. HSMFA would cost $51,341,436 to $82,358,375 per year.Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and EquityHSMFA would result in the equitable treatment of all children regarding access to healthy school meals.ConclusionsGiven the support of foodservice directors but the lack of political consensus, considering stepwise implementation and providing cost estimates may increase feasibility of a HSMFA policy in Utah.