Archive | 2021
An Assessment of the Effects of Halal, Kosher, and Vegetarian Food Options in NYC Public Schools
Abstract
This paper serves to induce legislative change in the New York City school food system by presenting the benefits of offering more food options and the detrimental effects of the current system with restrictive options, accounting for variables such as low income. The researchers hypothesized that the satisfaction rates of low-income students would be the lowest. Previous research by the Food Research and Action Center shows that “receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduce food insecurity, obesity rates, and poor health.” However, this is not always the case for NYC public school students, as their food system alienates those with dietary restrictions. The economic, social, and health repercussions of not meeting student needs for diverse food options are devastating. Because they cannot or choose not to consume school food due to insufficient variety or accessibility: they must buy, make, or skip lunch, which can increase family financial stress. 1,060 survey responses were collected for this study. The survey asked for student demographics, current lunch quality, variety, satisfaction, eating habits, thoughts on expanding food options, and consequent benefits. The data were then analyzed using statistical tests in JASP and visual modeling in Tableau. The researchers analyzed the findings by contextualizing circumstances and determined that as higher-income children do not have to rely on school food for sustenance, they were more impartial. Their results indicate that all students, despite demographics, will benefit from expanding food options, but those with dietary restrictions were at a more prominent disadvantage, especially if they were lower-income. Expanding food options would improve student inclusion, satisfaction, health and relieve families and schools of their current financial losses. The researchers propose expanding food options by adding a salad bar, halal/kosher meats, plant-based alternatives, and diversifying the menu. The researchers hope their research aids students in NYC public schools by improving their school lunches.