Student Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Middle School Lunch Programs: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Despite the establishment of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) in 2010, child nutrition programs continue to experience challenges impacting participation. Prior qualitative studies have explored how to reduce barriers to implementation of these programs in schools, but few studies have examined attitudes held by students, who are the ultimate stakeholders in school lunch programs and their success.

Purpose

The present study explored children’s attitudes about food at school and suggestions for improving the school lunch program.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted during the 2018–2019 school year in five middle schools. Students (N = 21) participating in a larger study were invited to take part in focus groups at school.

Results

Qualitative analyses revealed that children were knowledgeable about healthy eating but had strong opinions about disliking some foods served at school. Children had thoughtful ideas about improving school food and recommendations to encourage healthy eating among students.

Discussion

Insights from this qualitative investigation highlight the importance of considering the child's perspective when implementing food nutrition programs.

Translation to Health Education Practice

Health promotion efforts to improve the school nutrition environment include engaging families in school nutrition policy decisions and improved training and resources for food service staff.

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant [R305A180074] to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education.