Distributing Summer Meals during a Pandemic: Challenges and Innovations

Brooke L. Bennett, Kim M. Gans, Kara Burkholder, Julia Esposito, Sarah Wen Warykas and Marlene B. Schwartz
Additional contact information
Brooke L. Bennett: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Kim M. Gans: Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
Kara Burkholder: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Julia Esposito: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Sarah Wen Warykas: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Marlene B. Schwartz: Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-15

Abstract: The USDA summer food programs provide meals for children when school is not in session. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for food distribution programs, many regulations have been waived, providing opportunities for new approaches to meal distribution. The aim of this study was to identify practices designed to increase program participation during the summer of 2021. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with food service directors (N = 16) in a northeastern state. Questions addressed meal distribution methods; perceptions about facilitators and barriers to family participation; communication strategies used to reach families; and engagement with community partners. The responses were analyzed using an immersion-crystallization approach and four themes emerged: new opportunities for innovation due to the waivers; the importance of collaboration with community partners to increase reach; ongoing logistical challenges due to the pandemic; and the challenge and importance of reducing the stigma of participation. These findings underscore how the USDA waivers increased food service directors’ ability to flexibly and creatively solve problems related to summer meal delivery. The FSDs believed that several of the waivers helped them increase participation in the summer meal program, suggesting that permanent changes to the summer meal regulations may be appropriate.

Keywords: summer meal program; school meals; school nutrition programs; school food services; COVID-19 pandemic; food service directors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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