Peer-reviewed article
Participation in School Meals Suggests Modest Academic Benefits in Children: A Systematic Literature Review
Beall Roberts, Juliet Wallemacq, Sibylle Kranz ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
Limitations
Abstract
Dietary intake is linked to brain function and learning-related processes, which are critical for academic performance.Although numerous studies examine determinants of academic performance in youth, few evaluate the possible role of school-based meal programs.This systematic literature review synthesizes evidence from intervention and cohort studies assessing the impact of school meal programs on academic outcomes among children in the U.S. to inform education and school nutrition policy (registered in PROSPERO #CRD42024622535).A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2014 and 2024 in English was conducted in December 2024 using standardized search syntax across five databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and Web of Science).Inclusion criteria were studies reporting academic outcomes (gradepoint averages, standardized test scores) and participation in school meals (School Breakfast Program, Breakfast in the Classroom, In-Class Breakfast, Community Eligibility Provision, and the National School Lunch Program).Screening, full-text review, and risk-of-bias assessment were completed with Covidence software.Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria.Heterogeneity in study design, program implementation, and outcome measures limits interpretation of results.Findings were mixed, although a slight majority reported beneficial associations between school meal participation and academic (math) performance.Overall, this research highlights the critical need for standardized methodology for measurement of school meal food consumption and academic outcomes.Currently, there is lack of such research reports, making evaluation of current public policy and federal food programs challenging.The results of this study are based on a very small sample, but evidence suggests that certain school meal programs may contribute to improved academic outcomes.Further research is needed to clarify the role of school-meals available to U.S. children on academic outcomes.