How universal school meals lead to better student outcomes

Universal school meals have consistently been linked to improved student outcomes. By providing every child with access to nutritious school meals, these programs ensure students get the essential nutrients they need to stay focused, participate actively in class, and perform better on tests. With hunger out of the equation, students can concentrate more, engage in learning, and reach their full potential.

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Extensive research across the globe supports these benefits. A systematic review analyzing thousands of studies found that universal school meal programs lead to higher participation rates, improved attendance, better diet quality, stronger academic performance, and increased food security. Schools that provide free meals to all students create a healthier learning environment where students can thrive—in and out of the classroom.

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In this blog, we’ll explore how universal school meals impact student success and what schools can do to maximize these benefits, starting with providing students with healthy school meals.

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Free school meals boost participation rates

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The universal school meal program, first started by California, removes eligibility requirements, ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals—regardless of household income. This means that not only low-income students benefit, but also those who previously didn’t qualify for free or reduced-price meals. By eliminating financial barriers, more students can receive the nutrition they need to stay focused and perform well in school.

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Research confirms that participation rates increase when meals are provided at no cost. Students who weren’t previously eligible are especially likely to take advantage of the program, highlighting the widespread need for accessible school meals. One study from an English primary school found a 30% increase in school lunch participation each week after implementing universal meals. With more students eating nutritious lunches, more students benefit from the improved focus, energy, and academic performance that come with proper nutrition.

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Universal school meals improve student attendance

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Studies from Wisconsin, Boston, and New York show that universal school meal programs lead to better attendance, particularly among lower-income elementary students. When students attend school consistently, they stay engaged in learning and have a better chance of academic success.

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Researchers suggest two key reasons behind this improvement: free access to nutritious food motivates attendance and causes fewer students to fall ill. Proper nutrition strengthens the immune system, making students less prone to sickness and absences. Additionally, students from financially insecure families could be more likely to attend school when they know they will receive a guaranteed meal. For many, school meals provide the most reliable source of daily nutrition, making attendance essential not only for education but for well-being.

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Regardless of the reason, universal school meals ensure more children receive the food they need, helping them stay healthy, focused, and present in the classroom.

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Universal free school meals improve diet

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Universal free school meal programs follow strict USDA nutritional guidelines, ensuring students receive balanced, nutrient-rich meals. These guidelines require portions of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, helping students meet their daily nutritional needs.

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Research shows that students who eat free, nutrient-dense school meals feel fuller for longer, consume fewer unhealthy ingredients, and reduce their intake of junk food. By promoting healthier eating habits, universal school meal programs play a key role in improving students’ overall diet quality and long-term well-being.

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Accessible nutritious food boosts academic performance

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Nutritious meals provide students with the essential nutrients needed for better cognitive function, higher energy levels, and improved concentration—all of which contribute to academic success.

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A study in Boston found that students who regularly ate a universal free breakfast showed improved academic performance, including higher math scores. Similarly, research in Minnesota elementary schools observed a positive trend in standardized test scores after implementing universal free breakfast. These findings highlight a clear connection: starting the school day with nutrient-dense meals helps students stay focused, retain information, and perform better academically.

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Free food for students helps combat food insecurity

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Providing free meals in schools ensures that students from low-income backgrounds have reliable access to nutritious food. This removes the stress of skipping meals due to lack of funds or unpaid school meal balances, allowing students to focus on learning instead of hunger.

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Research projects a 3.73% increase in food security among students across the country, thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) making school meals accessible for all students. By reducing food insecurity, these programs ensure that more children receive the nourishment they need to stay healthy, engaged, and ready to learn.

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Universal free school meals—why they’re important

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Free school meals do more than improve student outcomes—they support families, enhance food security, and promote long-term well-being. Beyond meeting immediate nutritional needs, these programs help children build healthier eating habits that they carry into adulthood, reducing the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

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With consistent access to nutritious meals, students have more energy to engage in learning, build stronger relationships, and explore their full potential. By investing in universal free school meals, we’re not only feeding students today—we’re setting them up for a healthier, brighter future.

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Ensure students get the nutrition they need with Ordo

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Providing nutritious, delicious school meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Ordo simplifies the process, handling the administrative, logistical, and culinary challenges, so you can focus on what matters—feeding students with healthy food. Trusted by parents and schools across the country, Ordo makes it easy to deliver quality meals that support student success.

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Ordo has become America's fastest-growing school food program, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love. Healthy meals result in better student outcomes, and administrators who invest in their nutrition programs invest in their schools.

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Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 options daily, like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch.

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Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks essential metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing. Ordo offers both vended meal service, where we deliver the food every day, and onsite food service management, where our chefs prepare food on campus.

We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools. We’ve worked with some of the top brands in early education and child care, including Guidepost Montessori, Bright Horizons, Primrose, and more.

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If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.