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December 8, 2025Journal of School HealthOpen Access

Universal School Meal Policies and Perceived Stigma: Quantitative Evidence From Eight US States

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Authors

LCLeah Elizabeth ChapmanAPAnisha I. PatelWGWendi GoslinerUniversity of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources

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Implication

Quantitative evidence shows universal school meals reduce stigma in low-income students but may increase it in higher-income peers.

Key Points

  • This study examines the relationship between universal school meals and perceived stigma among students.
  • Surveyed 1066 middle and high school students across eight US states (four with USM, four without)
  • Measured stigma through self-reported embarrassment about school lunch
  • Analyzed data using generalized estimating equations
  • 11.5% of students reported embarrassment about eating school lunch
  • USM was associated with 11% less frequent embarrassment and increased lunch participation especially among low-income families
  • Higher-income students in USM states reported more embarrassment

Cite This Study

Chapman et al. (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/693624a44fa91c937236c4e8https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70098
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