Meatless Monday National School Meal Program Evaluation: Impact on Nutrition, Cost, and Sustainability
Stacy Blondin, Sean B. Cash, Timothy S. Griffin, Jeanne P. Goldberg, Christina D. Economos
Abstract
This study evaluated the nutritional, economic, and environmental impacts of a Meatless Monday (MM) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in a large urban US school district. After averaging the nutrient content of entrees across the week and comparing changes relative to recommendations, there were no pre-post differences >15%. Monday entrees offered post-MM required considerably less water to produce (−51%) and were associated with fewer greenhouse gas emissions (−74%). The MM program had little impact on entrée cost (−2.5%). Further research is needed to determine how MM program goals can be achieved within the NSLP context.
Topics & Concepts
Context (archaeology)SustainabilitySchool mealMealGreenhouse gasAgricultural economicsEnvironmental healthBusinessEnvironmental scienceGeographyEconomicsMedicinePathologyEcologyBiologyArchaeologyAgriculture Sustainability and Environmental ImpactObesity, Physical Activity, DietNutritional Studies and Diet