ASU Researchers Help Secure $3.8 Million for Free School Meals

Arizona State University researchers at the College of Health Solutions’ Food Policy and Environmental Research Group helped secure $3.8 million to provide free school meals for tens of thousands of low-income children attending public and charter schools in Arizona.

“It’s very satisfying when you see evidence-informed policy being implemented,” said Dr. Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, a professor of nutrition in the College of Health Solutions and the head of the Food Policy and Environmental Research Group, which explores policies and programs that impact food consumption, physical activity, behaviors and health outcomes specifically related to childhood and adult obesity. “And I think across all the years that I’ve been working this is the fastest I’ve seen research being turned into policy.”

The Arizona State Legislature passed the fiscal year 2025 state budget, which includes a line item for $3.8 million for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, marking the first time in state history that funding has been used to combat hunger in kids.

The funding will specifically be used to cover the copays for low-income families who were receiving free meals during the pandemic.

According to a comprehensive statewide assessment by the ASU Food Policy and Environment Research Group published in a 2023 report, consumption of school meals is directly linked with:

• Academic achievement
• Greater food security
• Reduced obesity rates
• Student attendance
• Improved physical and mental health
• Improved standardized test scores
• School finances

The cost-modeling scenarios detailed in ASU’s assessment informed the state’s temporary investment.

ASU researchers worked with the Arizona Food Bank Network to survey approximately 3,600 members of the community, including parents, school officials and others, to gauge support for extending the funding. Researchers were able to determine consistent support for maintaining free meals across all groups despite political affiliation, education or income level.

“We are so excited and grateful to see our state lawmakers and Governor Hobbs make feeding kids a top priority,” said April Bradham, President and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network. “This program covered family copays for more than 7 million meals in School Year 2023-24, which goes a long way toward improving child nutrition and overall food security across our state.”