School Nutrition Policies and Associations With Academic Outcomes: A Comprehensive Summary of Current Evidence.

BACKGROUND

Healthy diets can improve cognitive function; therefore, school nutrition policies may support academic performance. Prior systematic reviews documented positive associations between school nutrition-related policies and academics, but less is known about their associations with academic inequities. This review updates the evidence while addressing the gap on academic inequities.

METHODS

Building on two prior systematic reviews (2021, 2023) of naturally-occurring during-school U.S. nutrition policies and academics (i.e., attendance, test scores, behavior), we conducted an updated systematic search using their established terms and synthesized evidence on academic equity (differences in subgroup outcomes, i.e., race, ethnicity, income).

RESULTS

This updated comprehensive review includes 33 studies (10 new, 23 from the prior reviews). Newly identified studies examined Universal Free School Meals (UFSM; n = 6), Breakfast After the Bell (BATB; n = 2), the School Breakfast Program (n = 1), and Recess Before Lunch (n = 1). Most reported positive or neutral academic associations. Most studies examining equity-related outcomes found larger academic improvements among subpopulations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: School nutrition policies can improve academic achievement while addressing educational equity.

CONCLUSIONS

UFSM and BATB equitably improve academic performance. More research is needed for other promising policies.