Study explores impact of Universal Free School Meals

By Blake Jackson

A four-year study led by Shuoli Zhao, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, explores the impact of Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) on household food spending, children’s diet quality, and long-term health outcomes.

Funded by an $800,000 USDA grant, Zhao, an expert in behavioral economics and nutrition policy, aims to answer key questions about this initiative.

UFSM programs have recently been made permanent in eight states, sparking debates about their economic feasibility and health impacts.

These programs have been essential for millions of families, providing children with meals that contribute significantly to their daily calorie intake.

The shift to a school-wide model, eliminating income-based eligibility, brings new challenges that Zhao’s study aims to address.

“This research is timely and essential,” Zhao said. “The universal model could reduce administrative burdens and eliminate the stigma associated with free or reduced-price meals. But we also need to understand its broader impacts, particularly on household food spending, diet quality, and children’s overall well-being.”

The study’s goals are threefold:

• Economic Household Impact: By analyzing grocery scanner data, the research will measure how UFSM affects household food expenditures. USDA estimates that low-income families save about $800 annually per child, which could alter local food demand.
• Dietary Quality and Food Security: The study will examine whether UFSM improves children’s diet quality by comparing students with universal meal access to those without. Researchers will use data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to gain insights into dietary differences.
• Health Outcomes: Zhao’s team will track long-term health effects, focusing on childhood obesity and mental health. Using data from the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, they will explore how consistent access to school meals influences children's well-being.

The collaborative project includes researchers from Louisiana State University and ACRI. Zhao hopes the study will provide vital insights into UFSM’s impacts, influencing policy decisions.

“Policymakers need evidence, not assumptions,” Zhao stated, emphasizing the importance of data-driven research.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky