From Policy to Practice: Parent Perceptions of the 2010 Federal School Lunch Mandate.

Purpose/Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate parent awareness and perceptions of changes to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) implemented as a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHKA) of 2010. Methods An online survey of parents of school age (K-12) children in a Midwestern state was conducted (n = 2,189). The survey collected information on the grade of oldest child and child’s participation in school lunch, and measured parental awareness and perceptions. Open-ended responses were coded by three coders. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to examine possible differences in parents’ perceptions according to child’s grade, participation in school lunch, and school district size. Results Most parents (84%) were aware of the school lunch changes, and, of those, 75% reported their child had discussed the changes with them. Parents with an oldest child in grades K-8 had significantly more positive perceptions of school meals than did parents with an oldest child in grades 9-12. Parents reported mixed perceptions about school lunch. Some parents indicated their child ate more fruits (15.7%) and vegetables (11.6%) since the meal changes. Applications to Child Nutrition Professionals Parents’ awareness and concern about school meals are high. Future governmental and school efforts to promote school lunch should include communication components that provide parents with accurate information and feedback opportunities. At the local level, district professionals can harness family support for school meals in ways tailored to the unique contexts of their school community.