School meal provision: a rapid evidence review

Abstract

Food insecurity is of growing concern in high-income countries and children from socio-economically disadvantaged families are particularly at risk of experiencing hunger and poor nutrition. This can have a detrimental effect on children’s development and capacity for learning. Therefore, food security is a serious matter for teachers and schools, particularly in areas where there is a high proportion of socioeconomically disadvantaged students and families. This rapid review of the literature determined the research evidence available on impacts of school food provision for socio-economically disadvantaged students, with a particular focus on food security.