Resource type
Research
Research type
Assessing/Improving Operations
Cost Study
Food/Nutrient Analysis
Impacts/Evaluations
Participation Characteristics
Participation Rates
Resource materials
Summary of Findings (4.81 MB)
Data Collection Instruments (6.95 MB)
Volume 4: Appendix A-H (4.53 MB)
Volume 4: Appendix I-P (8.05 MB)
Peer Review Information (87.05 KB)
This study is the first nationally representative, comprehensive assessment of the school meal programs since the updated nutrition standards for school meals were phased in beginning School Year 2012-2013. The study results are presented in four separate reports summarizing study findings related to (1) foodservice operations, (2) the nutrient content of school meals as offered and served, (3) meal costs and revenues, and (4) student participation, dietary intake and plate waste. A study methodology report that describes the study design, sampling and data collection and a summary report that provides a brief overview of the study and key findings from the various reports are also available.
Infographics
- Updated Nutrition Standards Posed Challenges but Achieved Underlying Goals
- School Meals Are More Nutritious After Updated Nutrition Standards
- Progress Toward Implementing Updated Nutrition Standards
- The Cost of Producing School Meals Has Increased
- Lunches Consumed From School Are the Most Nutritious
See Also
- School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study Fact Sheets
- School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study Webinar Series on Study Findings
- School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study Webinar Series on Study Methods