School Meals as a Strategy to Prevent Childhood Obesity and Advance Food Equity: A Narrative Review

TL;DR

School meals, especially universal programs, can help reduce childhood obesity and improve food equity for low-income and marginalized children.

Contribution

This paper reviews evidence showing that universal school meal programs reduce obesity and promote food equity.

Findings

School meals improve diet quality and reduce obesity prevalence in children.

Universal school meal programs reduce stigma and food insecurity among low-income families.

Adoption of such programs is linked to better household financial stability.

Abstract

Childhood obesity and food insecurity are coexisting public health crises that disproportionately affect low-income and marginalized populations. Addressing these issues requires sustainable interventions and policies that improve nutritional access and equity. We therefore sought to synthesize evidence on the role of school meal programs, particularly Universal School Meals (USM), in preventing childhood obesity and advancing food security and nutrition equity through a narrative review.

School meals are among the healthiest food sources for US children and improve diet quality compared to meals from other sources. Policies including the Community Eligibility Provision increase participation, reduce stigma, and alleviate food insecurity. Evidence suggests USM adoption is associated with lower obesity prevalence and improved household financial stability, positioning school meals as a powerful equity-focused intervention.

School meals represent a critical lever for reducing diet-related and obesity disparities and advancing food equity for children. Further research should explore implementation strategies and long-term outcomes to maximize health and social benefits.

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