Unlocking Student Potential Through School Meals

School meals play an integral role in the student experience, with their impact extending well beyond the essential of ensuring kids get the fuel they need to succeed academically. Research from the Food Research and Action Center shows how participation in school meals improves academic achievement, standardized test scores, and cognitive function, along with helping to boost attendance and improve student behavior. What steps can a school district take to maximize the impact of its school meals program on the health and wellness of its students? It starts with serving foods kids love!
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that school food quality has increased significantly since the early 2000s and provides the highest mean diet quality of any major food source. Faced with the reality and responsibility that schools are now the single healthiest place Americans are eating, making sure school meals are appealing to students is top of mind for educators and administrators. Beyond elevating the food that’s offered, making the cafeteria a place for connection and joy can help inspire students to engage and participate. The lunchroom plays a large part in a student’s social experience, and changes to the environment can help create a culture of inclusion and acceptance. Inclusive menus, educational programs, staff training, cafeteria setup, and even renovations can help facilitate positive social interactions and inclusion during the school day.
The child nutrition experts at Chartwells K12, the nation’s leading school food service partner that serves over 2 million meals a day to students in over 700 districts, are here to share their experience on how hey can help build successful school meal programs, drive school meal participation, and unlock student potential!