Understanding implementation determinants of universal school meals through an equity-driven mixed methods approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Policies, such as Universal School Meals (USM), are essential for preventing inequities in chronic disease risk among socially and economically marginalized populations. Implementing USM reduces food insecurity and obesity risk, among other academic/health outcomes; unfortunately, across the nation student participation (i.e., reach) is lower than expected, limiting its public health impact. Grounded in implementation science and health equity frameworks, this study aimed to: 1) investigate the determinants of implementing USM in a large, urban school district and 2) assess key challenges and supports across schools with varying levels of participation in USM.

Methods

A needs and assets assessment was undertaken in the 2023-2024 academic year with the School Distr

SUBMITTER: McLoughlin GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12001678 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature