ERIC Number: EJ1376463
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jun
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
The National School Lunch Program and Obesity: A Look at Economic Stability's Influence on the Relationship
Chavez, Luis; Malik, Neal; Kapella-Mshigeni, Salome
Journal of School Health, v93 n6 p515-520 Jun 2023
Background: Approximately 20% of US children are obese and these rates are expected to increase. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides meals to millions of students and may influence their body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to investigate whether students who participate in the NSLP have a higher BMI when compared to those that do not. Methods: Secondary data from the US Census Bureau were analyzed. Kruskal-Wallis H tests were performed to find associations between NSLP participation and students' BMI. Race and economic stability were included as moderating variables. Results: NSLP participation and respondents that identified as White/Caucasian, African American, and Native American were positively associated with BMI. Lower economic stability was also positively associated with BMI. Conclusion: Participation in the NSLP was significantly associated with participants' BMI, race, and economic stability. While a cause-and-effect relationship cannot be determined, these results are important given their potential influence on students' long-term health.
Descriptors: Students, Obesity, Lunch Programs, Body Composition, Economic Factors, Student Participation, Race, Student Needs, Reliability, Elementary Secondary Education, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: National School Lunch Act 1970
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A