Nicole Vaudrin1, Kristen Lloyd1, Michael J Yedidia1, Michael Todd1, Punam Ohri-Vachaspati1. 1. Nicole Vaudrin and Punam Ohri-Vachaspati are with the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix. Kristen Lloyd and Michael J. Yedidia are with the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy, New Brunswick, NJ. Michael Todd is with the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) participation over a 7-year period before and after the implementation of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), which required healthier school lunch options beginning in school year (SY) 2012-2013 and healthier school breakfast options beginning in SY2013-2014. METHODS: Data were gathered from low-income, high-minority public schools in 4 New Jersey cities. We conducted longitudinal analyses of annual average daily participation (ADP) in school meals among enrolled students overall and among those eligible for free or reduced-price meals. We used linear mixed models to compare NSLP and SBP participation rates from SY2008-2009 to SY2014-2015. RESULTS: NSLP participation rates among students overall differed little across years (from 70% to 72%). SBP rates among enrolled students were stable from the beginning of the study period to SY2013-2014 and then increased from 52% to 59%. Among students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the ADP was lowest in SY2012-2013 (when the HHFKA was implemented) before rebounding. CONCLUSIONS: The HHFKA did not have a negative impact on school meal participation over time. Public Health Implications. The HHFKA-strengthened nutrition standards have not affected school meal participation rates. With time, students are likely to accept healthier options.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) participation over a 7-year period before and after the implementation of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), which required healthier school lunch options beginning in school year (SY) 2012-2013 and healthier school breakfast options beginning in SY2013-2014. METHODS: Data were gathered from low-income, high-minority public schools in 4 New Jersey cities. We conducted longitudinal analyses of annual average daily participation (ADP) in school meals among enrolled students overall and among those eligible for free or reduced-price meals. We used linear mixed models to compare NSLP and SBP participation rates from SY2008-2009 to SY2014-2015. RESULTS: NSLP participation rates among students overall differed little across years (from 70% to 72%). SBP rates among enrolled students were stable from the beginning of the study period to SY2013-2014 and then increased from 52% to 59%. Among students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the ADP was lowest in SY2012-2013 (when the HHFKA was implemented) before rebounding. CONCLUSIONS: The HHFKA did not have a negative impact on school meal participation over time. Public Health Implications. The HHFKA-strengthened nutrition standards have not affected school meal participation rates. With time, students are likely to accept healthier options.
Authors: Michael W Long; Joerg Luedicke; Marice Dorsey; Susan S Fiore; Kathryn E Henderson Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2013-05-16 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Juliana F W Cohen; Mary T Gorski; Jessica A Hoffman; Lindsay Rosenfeld; Ruth Chaffee; Lauren Smith; Paul J Catalano; Eric B Rimm Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2016-04-14 Impact factor: 5.043
Authors: Erica L Kenney; Jessica L Barrett; Sara N Bleich; Zachary J Ward; Angie L Cradock; Steven L Gortmaker Journal: Health Aff (Millwood) Date: 2020-07 Impact factor: 6.301