An Evaluation of School Meal Distribution Methods during COVID-19 School Closures

Author

Samantha OuelletteFollow
Kritika Gupta PhD, PMP, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Fall 11-6-2023

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Nutrition and Hospitality Management

First Advisor

Georgianna Mann

Second Advisor

Laurel Lambert

Third Advisor

Aleshia Hall-Campbell

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

School meal programs across the United States play an important role in the lives and proper development of students. With the unexpected arrival of COVID-19 and the school closures that followed, students' access to these school meals were put in jeopardy. Many states and school districts produced different plans to be able to continue providing these students with meals despite school being closed. Some methods of meal distribution were more effective than others and effectiveness of certain plans varied from place to place.

This study evaluated the meal distribution methods during these school closures in Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida. A survey was sent out to child nutrition directors in the three states concerning the circumstances and challenges they each encountered during COVID-19 school closures as well as what methods their school district used for school meal distribution and how effective these methods were. Results showed that there were significant difficulties encountered such as a lack of supplies and food products, staff shortages, and new protocols that needed to be enforced. There was also a decrease in school meal participation in all three states.  Any decrease in school meal participation is a major concern for school districts because of the possible health effects it could have on students missing meals. However, despite the negative consequences the school closures had on meal plans, there were still some positive gains and learning experiences. In the future, this research can be expanded to all fifty states. Additionally, research towards developing emergency plans for school meals in case of another mass school closure would serve students well to prevent the challenges faced during COVID-19 school closures.

Recommended Citation

Ouellette, Samantha and Gupta, Kritika PhD, PMP, "An Evaluation of School Meal Distribution Methods during COVID-19 School Closures" (2023). Honors Theses. 3377.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3377