The Influences of Participation in the National School Lunch Program and Food Insecurity on Child Well‐Being

Abstract

This study examines two research questions: the child‐ and family‐specific factors that predict food insecurity and participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the effects on school‐age children of food insecurity and participating in the NSLP. Results show that factors representing families’ economic status are significantly associated with food insecurity and that a broader range of cultural and attitudinal factors predicts participation in the NSLP. Food insecurity is associated with children’s health and behavior, but not test scores. After addressing selection, participation in the NSLP does not predict improved child outcomes.