Summer meals are absolutely paramount, particularly for children living with food insecurity. During the regular school year, children have full access to a cafeteria where hot meals and snacks are provided throughout the day. But during the summer, as schools close for regular academic programming, many children lose this daily opportunity for consistent meals. To help fill the void, countless schools and community centers offer summer meals where young people can have access to a nutritious option just like they get during the year. However, many families do not see the advertisements around summer meals and this effectively means that food insecure families are missing out on year-round access to food providing essential nutrition for growth and development of their children.
Why is it important to have School Meals?
School meals are among the healthiest meals many school children can get. They provide a large proportion of energy and nutrients during a typical and busy academic day, allowing students to stay focused and alert in class. In July 2020, more than 1 in 10 NY households were food insecure, and those households with children were more likely to be food insecure compared to those without children, a sobering statistic given the need for nutritious food for proper development. According to April- July 2020 data, the most utilized free food access for families in insecure homes in NYS was schools. Summer meals also provide many benefits to students. In fact, studies have shown that access to nutritious meals during summer break helps children’s health, education and food security. Without adequate food and nutrition, kids can perform poorly in academics, struggle with social and emotional regulation, and are at a higher risk for chronic disease like anemia and diabetes. Since school meals are some of the most nutritious, it is essential for nutrition security.
How does Advertising affect Children's Eating Habits?
The children's need for food does not end during summer break, it continues as a way for children to be prepared for a successful fall semester. However, many families are unaware summer meals are even an available and viable option. Summer meals should be advertised so that families and students can rest assured that their schools can provide nourishing opportunities to get food without worrying where they will find their next. For a bit of perspective on the current state of summer meals, recent data from 2019 shows that; 22 million children and adolescents received free and reduced meals during the school year, but only 1 out of 6 (~ 3.7 million) participated in the meal program in the summer. This illustrates that those kids missing out can be at a higher risk of food insecurity and inadequate nutrition during the summer. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure these summer meals are well marketed and easily accessible to all who need them.
What are the Barriers to School Meals?
However, there are many barriers and obstacles to obtaining school food. During the pandemic, some families reported transportation issues and were unable to access a method to pick up food; others reported issues with logistics and struggled to actually receive the free meals. There were also communication barriers where families found there was poor communication about the meals especially in their native languages. Cultural barriers, where families may not be used to the foods being served, can prevent families from receiving and consuming summer meals. We ought to understand that access to school food can enhance nutrition security, improve meal patterns and financial security for those who take part in it, but more people would participate if there was increased awareness of the program.
How can Advertisements be improved?
There is so much we can do to help improve awareness of school and summer meals, so every student knows they can have access to nutritious school food all year round. We have an opportunity to improve advertisements of these meals. Whether that is through social media, flyers, handouts posted around the city, advertisements on TV/the radio (and more!), there are countless ways we can work together to spread the word about summer meals so no family has to worry about where their next meal is coming from during the summer months. Now it's up to us to make those steps, and promote these meals, so more people know they exist and can actually enjoy them.
Free Summer Meals Access:
At the Tisch Food Center, we believe that every student should have access to and awareness of free summer meals that include a satisfying and nutritious meal to all who may need it. Summer meals ensure that young minds, regardless of food security status, have the opportunity for year-round nourishment. Summer meals, like cafeteria food in the school year, must work to be both nutritious and culturally relevant to the student body population. The young people of today are the movers and shakers of tomorrow, investing in them is investing in our future – we think there’s no better investment, which is why we believe in the importance of increased access to healthy and nourishing food, often the most nourishing found at school.
Free School Meals in NYC Public Schools:
Did you know that NYC Public Schools provide free summer meals for students up to age 18 years old? There are a variety of sites available throughout the city at schools, community organizations and with food trucks. The food trucks are available 7 days a week in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. You are able to find a location closest to using the location finder, where you can find a location closest to you based on borough, school district, location name or street address with zip code or by mile radius. No registration, documentation or IDS are needed to receive a free meal. If you are unable to find a location, you can text “NYCFood” to 304-304 or call 311. To learn more about what site is closest and most convenient for you, visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/summer-meals