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Do Universal Free School Meals Improve the Dietary Quality of Food‐At‐Home Purchases?

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  • Xueying Ma
  • Andres Cuadros‐Meñaca
  • Michael R. Thomsen

Abstract

Since 2014, the number of schools offering universal free meals to all enrolled children without requiring annual meal applications has increased meaningfully. Using USDA's Purchase to Plate Crosswalk, a difference‐in‐differences framework, and a nationwide consumer panel, the effect of universal‐free‐meal exposure on the diet quality of food‐at‐home purchases is assessed in terms of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Consistent with earlier findings, households exposed to universal free meals reduce grocery spending by over 6%. There is no deleterious overall effect of universal‐free‐meal exposure on the diet quality of food‐at‐home purchases as measured by the HEI.

Suggested Citation

  • Xueying Ma & Andres Cuadros‐Meñaca & Michael R. Thomsen, 2026. "Do Universal Free School Meals Improve the Dietary Quality of Food‐At‐Home Purchases?," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 48(5), pages 1498-1509, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:48:y:2026:i:5:p:1498-1509
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.70106
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