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An Empirical Analysis of and Policy Recommendations to Improve the Nutritional Quality of School Meals

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  • Barbara Wagner
  • Benjamin Senauer
  • C. Ford Runge

Abstract

The National School Lunch Program is not meeting its nutritional goals. Data for 330 Minnesota school districts are analyzed to derive recommendations for improving the nutritional quality of school lunches. This study finds, contrary to widely held views, that lunch sales do not decline when healthier meals with less fat, for example, are served and that more nutritious lunches do not necessarily cost more. Healthier meals have higher labor costs, but lower costs for processed foods. Indirect costs, paid by the food service to the school district, negatively affect meal quality by decreasing funds to upgrade kitchens and train staff to prepare more nutritious meals. Copyright 2007, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Wagner & Benjamin Senauer & C. Ford Runge, 2007. "An Empirical Analysis of and Policy Recommendations to Improve the Nutritional Quality of School Meals," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 29(4), pages 672-688.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revage:v:29:y:2007:i:4:p:672-688
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/j.1467-9353.2007.00380.x
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    1. Thunstrom, Linda & Nordstrom, Jonas & Shogren, Jason F., 2016. "Healthy meals on the menu: A Swedish field experiment on labelling and restaurant sales," African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 11(01), pages 1-6, March.
    2. Ollinger, Michael & Ralston, Katherine & Guthrie, Joanne, "undated". "School Foodservice Costs: Location Matters," Economic Research Report 262241, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    3. Jensen, Jørgen Dejgaard & Mørkbak, Morten Raun & Nordström, Jonas, 2012. "Economic Costs and Benefits of Promoting Healthy Takeaway Meals at Workplace Canteens," Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(4), pages 1-27, December.
    4. Nordström, Jonas & Thunström, Linda, 2013. "The Impact of Price Reductions on Individuals' Choice of Healthy Meals Away from Home," Working Papers 2013:21, Lund University, Department of Economics.
    5. Ralston, Katherine L. & Newman, Constance & Clauson, Annette L. & Guthrie, Joanne F. & Buzby, Jean C., 2008. "The National School Lunch Program: Background, Trends, and Issues," Economic Research Report 56464, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.

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