A new study explored parent perceptions of stigma and benefits associated with free and reduced-price school meals and universal free school meals. The United States Department of Agriculture’s school meals programs provide school-aged students with nutritious meals necessary for healthy development and academic success. Families with low-income can apply for free or reduced-price meals at the beginning of each school year. However, many eligible families do not apply partially due to perceptions of stigma. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA provided waivers that allowed school meals to be served free of charge to all students nationally without any applications required. After the COVID waivers expired, eight states elected to fund school meals free of charge for all students; however, applications for free and reduced-price meals were reinstated in order to maximize federal funding for school meals.
Surveys and interviews of families in Maine and California, two states that continued universal meals, assessed caregivers’ perceptions of stigma related to applying for free/reduced-price meals as well as perceptions of stigma their children experienced at school. Some families stated the free/reduced-price application process made them feel embarrassed, like they were a bad parent, or worried they may be judged by their financial status. Some families felt neutral about the process, stating it is normal for many families to be eligible for this program. Others had positive views, reporting gratitude that the program would help feed their children and reduce financial stress.
Though families were evenly divided among these views, a majority were concerned their children were experiencing stigma at school and were treated differently by other students. However, they felt that universal meals reduced stigma because all students received school meals. They also felt that the program helped families who face financial struggles, but may not be eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Efforts to further reduce the stigma associated with free/reduced-price meals include online applications that ensure privacy, education on food security, and the normalization of school meals.
This study was conducted by the Nutrition Policy Institute, Merrimack College Center for Health Inclusion, Research, and Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, University of Connecticut Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of New England Center for Excellence in Public Health, Stanford University Pediatrics, Arizona State University College of Health Solutions, Partnership for a Healthier America, and New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. This research was funded by California General Fund SB 170 and Share Our Strength.