Nutrient Intake During School Lunch in Title I Elementary Schools With Universal Free Meals

Background The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides >30 million meals to children daily; however, the specific nutrient composition of NSLP-selected and consumed meals for students from lower income and racial/ethnic minoritized backgrounds is unknown. Aims To quantify the nutrients in school lunch selection and consumption among students participating in the NSLP and compare these values to nutrient recommendations. Method Students (1st-5th graders; 98.6% from racial/ethnic minoritized backgrounds; 92.5% NSLP participation) from six Title I elementary schools serving universal free meals participated. Digital images of students' lunch meal selection and consumption were obtained (n = 1,102 image pairs). Plate waste analyses quantified portions consumed. Nutrient composition of students' lunch selection and consumption were calculated and compared with the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Results Most lunches selected (59%-97%) met recommendations for all nutrients except for total calories (23%), vitamin C (46%), and dietary fiber (48%). Based on lunch consumption, most students' lunches met recommendations for sodium (98%), protein (55%), calories from fat (82%), and saturated fat (89%); however, few met recommendations for total calories (5%), calcium (8%), iron (11%), vitamin A (18%), vitamin C (16%), and fiber (7%). Discussion Meals selected met most nutrient recommendations for the majority of children; yet overall consumption patterns reflect suboptimal nutrient intake. Conclusion Meals served under the NSLP policy mandates align with recommended nutrient patterns, highlighting the importance of maintaining these standards. Strategies to optimize children's intake of nutrient-rich portions of these meals are needed to optimize policy impact.

Automated summary

While most students' lunch selections under the National School Lunch Program met nutrient recommendations, their actual consumption patterns revealed suboptimal nutrient intake levels. Strategies to improve children's intake of nutrient-rich portions of these meals are needed for optimal policy impact.