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

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Examines relationships among universal school meals (USMs) policies, stigma surrounding USM, and perceptions of school lunch. Utilizes survey data from 1,066 middle and high school students regarding their feelings of embarrassment surrounding school lunch, with breakdowns according to participant sociodemographics and rural versus urban location.

Dania Orta-Aleman, Monica D. Zuercher, Leah E. Chapman, et al.

Journal of School Health, 96(1), e70098

01/2026

Children and youth · Food security and nutrition · Rural-urban differences · Schools · Statistics and data · Stigma