How free school meals are solving childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is a major health issue in the U.S., affecting millions of children and setting them up for long-term health problems in life. But what if the solution could be as simple as offering free school meals? Recent research suggests that providing free meals to all students significantly lowers childhood obesity rates.

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Let’s dive into these findings and explore how these programs providing fresh school meals could make a big difference.

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New Studies: Free School Meals and Reduced Childhood Obesity

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Research published in the journal Pediatrics in March found that universal free school meals could be the key to combating childhood obesity. Leading this study are Anna Localio and Jessica Jones-Smith from the University of Washington, who sought to explore the impact of nutritional-related policies, particularly the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

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The CEP, a federal program introduced in 2014, aims to make school meals accessible to all students in high-poverty areas, regardless of their family’s income. Unlike traditional school meal programs that require families to apply and prove they meet specific income thresholds, the CEP automatically qualifies schools if at least 40% of their students meet the criteria for free meals. During the school year 2022-23, over 40,000 schools participated in the CEP program.

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Can free school meals really reduce obesity?

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To find out whether providing free meals had any impact on reducing childhood obesity, the study looked at data from over 3,500 low-income schools in California between 2013 and 2019. The researchers examined changes in the body mass index (BMI) of 3.5 million students in the fifth, seventh, and ninth grades taken yearly, comparing these changes across several variables:

• Schools that participated in the CEP program
• Qualified schools that didn’t participate in the CEP program
• Student obesity rates before the policy change
• Student obesity rates after the policy change

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The results

Schools participating in the CEP program saw a 2.4% reduction in obesity rates compared to schools that didn’t join the program. The researchers suggest that this reduction could be because healthier school meals replace less nutritious options kids might have otherwise eaten, both at home and from other sources.

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While a 2.4% decrease may sound small, even minor changes can be game-changers in the fight against obesity. In their article for The Conversation, Localio and Jones-Smith noted that “even small improvements in obesity levels are notable because effective strategies to reduce obesity at a population level remain elusive.”

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These findings are also backed up by research from around the world. In countries like Japan, South Korea, and Chile, school meals often provide healthier dietary options compared to other available food sources.

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Solutions Beyond Free Meals

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However, Localio and Jones-Smith also point out in their study that free meals alone aren’t a cure-all for childhood obesity. To make a lasting impact on this health crisis, the researchers suggest a broader strategy that addresses all aspects of a child’s environment, both in and out of school. This includes:

• Promoting physical activity through school programs and community initiatives
• Improving food environments on school grounds and within local communities
• Educating families on nutrition, meal preparation, and healthy eating habits

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More Than Just Meals: Health, Academics, and Equity

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Reducing obesity isn’t the only benefit of universal free school meal programs. They nourish kids with healthier food options, save families money, reduce stigma, and even improve educational results. Studies have linked CEP to better academic performance, increased attendance, and fewer suspensions. When children are well-fed with balanced meals, they are better equipped to focus, engage, and learn effectively in the classroom.

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Additionally, families no longer needing to pay for school meals could use their money on other essentials, reducing financial stress and improving overall family well-being. This supports healthier family relationships and greater stability.

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Policies like CEP could also help level the playing field by providing free meals to kids who need them the most, giving them a fair shot at a healthier future.

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Wrapping Up: Building healthier schools for a better future

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Localio and Jones-Smith’s findings show how school policies play a crucial role in shaping the well-being of the next generation. With growing evidence supporting the benefits of nutrition-based programs, it’s time for policymakers, educators, and communities to push for even broader access to universal school meals, working towards healthier and more equitable schools.  

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After all, the path to a better future for our children could start with something as simple as what’s on their lunch tray. At Ordo, we share this vision and are committed to providing fresh, nutritious meals across America.

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Ordo has become the fastest-growing school food program in America, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love. Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 different options daily like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch. Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks important metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing. Ordo offers both vended meal service where we deliver the food every day and onsite food service management with our chefs preparing food on campus. We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools.

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If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.