Strengthening School-Based Solutions to Tackle Childhood Nutrition Gaps

Every morning, millions of children walk into classrooms with empty stomachs, making it difficult for them to focus and learn. For many families, especially those in underserved communities, rising food costs can often mean tough choices – sometimes between healthy food and affordable food. The result? A growing nutrition gap that affects not only children’s health but also their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.   

Teachers across the country are sounding the alarm, with about three-quarters (74%) reporting that they see students come to school hungry at least once a month. Nearly half say they’ve become more concerned about food insecurity in the past year, underscoring the growing need for solutions.  

Schools have become a lifeline for struggling families, allowing students to get the nutrition they need through the school breakfast and school lunch programs. Beyond meals, schools and their staff play a critical role in promoting nutrition education that can shape healthier habits for life. As food insecurity continues to rise, so does the demand for these programs.

Research compiled by the Food Research & Action Center shows that when children have access to nutritious meals, like those provided through school meal programs, their cognitive performance improves, and they are more likely to attend school regularly. 

"Ensuring that students receive the nutrition they need is essential not only for their health but also for their success in school."

Policy solutions are one answer. 

Policy solutions like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Healthy School Meals for All help break down barriers to nutrition access. CEP allows high-need schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. Healthy School Meals for All allows all schools to offer meals to all their students at no charge. These policies can help eliminate barriers to nutrition access by reducing stigmas for children living in households with low-incomes. It’s clear that expanding access to free school meals through such policies has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes, reduce food insecurity, and support academic achievement. 

Public-private partnerships fill the gap. 

While policy solutions are moving the needle, schools need support from all sectors to meet the growing demand for nutrition access and education. Public-private partnerships are uniquely positioned to meet this need. 

One powerful example is the collaboration between Del Monte Foods and Alliance for a Healthier Generation that has reached 11.4 million children and families at over 13,000 schools through the Nourishing Families by Nourishing Schools initiative. The initiative supports children’s physical, mental, and social-emotional health, particularly in underserved communities, by providing programming and resources for kids and their families to advance nutrition education and increase food access.   

"By offering resources such as nutrient-dense, affordable recipes, meal planning tools, and fun family learning activities, Del Monte Foods and Alliance for a Healthier Generation are empowering families to create nutritious and accessible meals, contributing to child well-being both within and outside the classroom."  

Together, we can increase our impact. 

The path forward requires a continued commitment to strengthening school meal programs, expanding nutrition education, and deep collaboration across sectors. Public-private partnerships, along with strong advocacy for equitable policy solutions, are essential to building a system where every child has access to the nutrition they need to succeed. With continued investment and innovation, we can build a future where all children — regardless of background or circumstances — thrive. 

Learn more about the Nourishing Families by Nourishing Schools initiative.  

Greg Longstreet is the President & CEO of Del Monte Foods, with over 30 years of leadership experience in the food industry. 

Kathy Higgins is the CEO of Alliance for a Healthier Generation, leading efforts to improve children's health in partnership with schools, youth-serving organizations, and communities across the nation. 

Crystal FitzSimons is the Interim President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), leading efforts to improve nutrition and health for those facing poverty-related hunger in the U.S.