Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Free Summer Meal Participation Among Parents in New York City

Abstract Objective To examine perceived benefits and barriers of summer meal participation among lower-income families who participate in school lunch programs during the year. Design Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with parents of elementary-aged children, including both participants and nonparticipants in summer meals. Setting Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn, NY. Participants Participants were lower-income, racially/ethnically diverse parents of elementary-aged children. Of 20 participants, 17 were minorities (85%), 16 were women (80%), and 11 had an annual household income Phenomenon of Interest Interviews explored parents’ experiences with summer meals programs, the impact on food provisioning in the summer, and benefits and barriers. Analysis Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Results Five themes emerged, including 3 benefits of summer meals: reducing stress for parents, fostering social support and connection, and the opportunity to develop healthier eating habits; and 2 barriers to participation: lack of cultural inclusivity and lack of widespread knowledge about summer meals. Conclusions and Implications The main purpose of summer meals is to reduce food insecurity, but the programs also provide social and psychological benefits valued by lower-income families in New York, although participation barriers persist.