In aggregate, the data presents an optimistic view of school-based child nutrition programs. However, areas of opportunity are evident when results are reviewed by age, gender, and geography.
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| According to the Kids and School Meals Study students and
parents believe that schools are doing a good job meeting the nutritional
needs of children. 89% of parents feel it is important to offer school
meals and 77% think that the food served in their child's school is at
least "somewhat healthy." Students give their personal diet high
marks with 87% describing their eating habits as "pretty
healthy" or better.
In aggregate, the data presents an optimistic view of school-based child nutrition programs. However, areas of opportunity are evident when results are reviewed by age, gender, and geography. |
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There has long been and established link between healthy eating and a child's capacity to learn. In fact, 90% of parents surveyed believe there is a direct relationship between their child's diet and his or her performance in school. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, school-sponsored meals are served to 27 million students at 96,000 schools under the federally funded National School Lunch Program. The National School Breakfast Program provides morning nutrition to 7.2 million students in 72,000 schools. More than 96% of parents reported that their children's school offers school meals, and 92% reported their children ate a school meal in the past week. |
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Children's
Usage of School 92 % of children eat at least one school meal during the week and more than half eat a school meal everyday. School Meals Per
Week 75% of the children with access to school meals indicate they eat breakfast at home or purchase food from restaurants, convenience stores or vending machines. Additionally, 4% bring a packed breakfast from home. |
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