Making school meals free for all students may do more than ease hunger; it could also support healthier hearts.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open examined data from schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that allows schools in low-income areas to offer free breakfast and lunch to every student. Researchers matched those schools with medical records from children and adolescents across a large network of community health organizations.
The analysis found that universal free school meals were linked with a net reduction in blood pressure outcomes among students. The findings add to growing evidence that expanding access to healthy meals in schools may help improve child health.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease later in life. While it’s relatively uncommon in young children, rates are rising among U.S. youth, often in connection with diet and obesity. School meals are a crucial source of daily nutrition for millions of children, particularly in underserved communities, making universal access a potentially powerful tool for prevention.
The results build on earlier research linking CEP participation to better nutrition, improved weight outcomes and reduced food insecurity. Together, the evidence suggests that making healthy meals accessible to all kids, regardless of family income, could play an important role in supporting long-term heart health.
This research was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health. Additional support came from PCORnet, a national clinical research network developed with funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, through its ADVANCE network led by OCHIN and partners. The Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology at the University of Washington also provided support, alongside several UW schools and institutes.