Students’ Perspectives on the Benefits and Challenges of Universal School Meals Related to Food Accessibility, Stigma, Participation, and Waste

Objective

To reveal students’ experiences and perspectives related to Universal School Meals (USM) under the federal coronavirus disease 2019 waivers during school years 2021–22.

Design

Qualitative; 17 focus groups in June–July 2022.

Setting

Virtual; students from 9 California regions in public and charter schools.

Participants

67 students (n = 31 in high school, n = 36 in middle school) from a racially and economically diverse sample.

Phenomenon of Interest

Students’ perceived benefits and drawbacks of USM.

Analysis

Thematic analysis using an immersion-crystallization approach.

Results

Students appreciated USM for increasing school meals’ accessibility, promoting food security by financially supporting families, reducing the stigma associated with school meals, simplifying the payment system, and enhancing school meals convenience. An increase in school meal participation was observed. However, concerns emerged regarding a perceived decline in food quality and quantity and increased food waste.

Conclusions and Implications

Universal School Meals showed promise in increasing access to meals, reducing food insecurity, stigma, and increasing participation. Addressing food quality, quantity, and waste concerns is critical for its sustained success. Policymakers need to advocate for the expansion and continuous refinement of USM, prioritizing stakeholder feedback. Ensuring adequate funding to balance meal quality and quantity while minimizing waste is essential for an adequate school meal policy.