Pandemic-era School Food Distribution
Before COVID-19, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program were vital in providing meals for food-insecure families, but pandemic times with long-term and intermittent unpredictable school closures disrupted families access to these meals. Fortunately, Congress quickly passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which allowed schools to creatively distribute food to students and their families when schools were not meeting in person. Fortunately, while the days of school closures due to COVID-19 seem to be over, there are many lessons to be learned from the pandemic-era food distribution efforts.
School Food Distribution Participation Among Feeding MI Families Participants
Just over half parents in Feeding MI Families reported having participated in school food distribution, with some differences in use by family location and across families of varying race/ethnicity. In particular, rural families, Hispanic/Latino families, White families, and families where the parent was born outside the US were slightly more likely to receive free food from school during COVID-19.
What We Learned
Average satisfaction with school food distribution can be seen below. When asked how school food distribution programs could be improved, responses were quite similar to those that we heard about improving the charitable food system. Parents wanted a greater quantity and variety of food, higher quality food, and greater flexibility in food distribution.
Recommendations
Stigma and Discrimination are Central Barriers to Food Security
- School food distribution programs always need to be aware of the potential for stigma against children perceived to be low-income or food insecure.
Small Modifications Make Big Differences to Families
- Many parents were unsure of their eligibility to receive food from school and did not feel they understood the process well enough to feel comfortable participating in the distribution program. Families would benefit from widespread, simple communications about food programs through multiple channels.
- Busy families benefit from flexibility in food distribution including variety in the days and hours that programs operate.
Families Want Dignified Access to Fresh and Safe Produce, Proteins, and Dairy Products
- Whenever possible, consider ways to minimize the distribution of highly processed foods and prioritize fresh food, including produce.
- Families with children with specific dietary needs struggle to find safe free or low-cost foods. Food distribution programs should, if possible, provide families access to foods that are safe for children with common food allergies or other medical dietary needs.