ASU researchers secure $3.8M to provide free school meals

Arizona State University researchers at the College of Health Solutions’ Food Policy and Environmental Research Group helped secure $3.8 million to provide free school meals for tens of thousands of low-income children attending public and charter schools in Arizona.

Dr. Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, the head of the Food Policy and Environmental Research Group, which explores policies and programs that impact food consumption, physical activity, behaviors and health outcomes specifically related to childhood and adult obesity, said in a press release that it’s very satisfying to see evidence-informed policy being implemented.

“And I think across all the years that I’ve been working this is the fastest I’ve seen research being turned into policy,” Dr. Ohri-Vachaspati, who is also a professor of nutrition in the College of Health Solutions, stated in the release.

The Arizona State Legislature passed the fiscal year 2025 state budget, which includes a line item for $3.8 million for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, marking the first time in state history that funding has been used to combat hunger in kids, the release continued.

The funding will specifically be used to cover the copays for low-income families who were receiving free meals during the pandemic.

According to a comprehensive statewide assessment by the ASU Food Policy and Environment Research Group published in a 2023 report, consumption of school meals is directly linked with:

• Academic achievement,
• Greater food security,
• Reduced obesity rates,
• Student attendance,
• Improved physical and mental health,
• Improved standardized test scores and
• School finances.

The cost-modeling scenarios detailed in ASU’s assessment informed the state’s temporary investment, according to the release.

ASU researchers worked with the Arizona Food Bank Network to survey approximately 3,600 members of the community, including parents, school officials and others, to gauge support for extending the funding.

Researchers were able to determine consistent support for maintaining free meals across all groups despite political affiliation, education or income level.

“We are so excited and grateful to see our state lawmakers and Governor Hobbs make feeding kids a top priority,” April Bradham, president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network stated in the release.

According to Bradham, the program covered family copays for more than 7 million meals in the 2023-24 school year, which contributes significantly to improving child nutrition and overall food security across the state.

To find out more about details about the research that informed this groundbreaking legislation, visit ASU News.