School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study

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.

• Video: Introduction to the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, SY2014-15

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 Webinar Series on Study Findings
    1. Introduction
    2. School Meal Program Operations
    3. Meeting the Updated Nutrition Standards and the Nutritional Quality of School Lunches 
    4. School Meal Costs and Foodservice Revenues
    5. Dietary Intakes of School Lunch Participants and Nonparticipants 
    6. Satisfaction with School Meals and Plate Waste
• School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study Webinar Series on Study Methods
  1. Study Design and Implementation
  2. Methods Used to Estimate the Cost of Producing Reimbursable School Meals
  3. Methods Used to Examine Nutritional Characteristics of School Meals
  4. Methods Used to Examine Students’ Dietary Intakes
  5. Methods Used to Estimate Plate Waste in School Meals