Lori Spruance, PhD | Child Food Insecurity
Key Findings
- School meals are one of the most effective population-level tools to reduce child food insecurity. For many students, school breakfast and lunch provide the most reliable source of daily nutrition, particularly during periods of economic instability.
- Access matters as much as eligibility. Policies that expand when, where, and how meals are served—such as universal free meals and alternative breakfast models—substantially increase participation and reduce stigma
- Universal and low-barrier meal models are associated with improved equity. Removing application requirements and cost-sharing reduces disparities in participation by income, race/ethnicity, and geography.
- Operational flexibility improves implementation. Schools given flexibility in meal timing, service models, and staffing are better able to meet student needs while maintaining program sustainability.
- Food insecurity is shaped by the broader school food environment. Policies related to open/closed campus, competitive foods, and meal reimbursement rules directly influence students’ access to nutritious meals during the school day.
Recommendations
- To effectively prevent child food insecurity, school meal programs must be supported by policies that prioritize access, reduce administrative burden, and align program design with students’ lived realities—not just eligibility thresholds.
See the citations page for this research here.
