Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Improve Health and Nutrition in K-12 School Meals

Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Recommendations to Improve Health and Nutrition in K-12 School Meals

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released a series of recommendations from the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission, charting a path forward to improve the nutritional content of K-12 school meals across Massachusetts. The Commission found that universal free school meals have forever changed students’ meal experience, providing a stable source of funding that enables school nutrition programs to plan and invest in healthy meals.  

 

The Commission’s overarching recommendation is for school districts to pay attention to the amount of time that students have to choose and eat school meals and recommends that districts consider holding recess before lunch so that students are more likely to eat their entire meal. Research shows that when schools have strong policies about the minimum time for school meals, students eat more of their meals, which reduces food waste. 

 

 “School breakfast and lunch may be some of the only meals students get each week, and so it is essential that those meals are healthy to set students up for lifelong health and wellbeing,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We have seen incredible progress under universal free school meals, with districts incorporating more local products and participation increasing. I want to thank the Commission for their thoughtful work. These recommendations will not only make school meals more enjoyable but will also go a long way towards optimizing the short-term and long-term health of children.” 

 

"By investing in universal free school meals, we've shown families that, regardless of circumstance, their children can count on a meal at school," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. "I am incredibly grateful to the Commission for digging deeper and providing recommendations that not only detail what makes a healthy meal, but also how mealtimes can be structured to better support the health and development of students. Good food is foundational to good health, and I look forward to continuing to work with our partners across Massachusetts to make it accessible to all children. " 

 

The School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission was co-chaired by the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Public Health (DPH) and included public health experts, school nutrition leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders. The group met from November 2024 through March 2025 and was charged with reviewing nutrition standards or guidelines used by K-12 schools, best practices and how to make the food offered in schools more nutritious.  

 

The Commission’s recommendations include:  

• A 30-minute lunch period with a minimum of 20 minutes of seated time to ensure students have enough time to eat high-quality meals; 

• Holding recess before lunch, which research has shown to increase school meal consumption and reduce food waste; 

• Using whole foods, including but not limited to offering beans, peas and lentils beyond the current minimal federal requirements of once per week with the goal of three or more times per week; 

• Clearly labeling and promoting vegetarian and vegan entrees and side dishes; 

• Expanding communication to students and families who request meal modifications and increasing the variety of modified meals, adapting a close equivalent to the main entrée; and 

• Sourcing more food items regionally. 

 

“Universal free school meals are a critical support for Massachusetts students, and these recommendations will help make those meals both healthier and more appetizing,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I’m grateful to the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission and the Department of Public Health for their partnership in this work.” 

 

“School meal programs are critical to preventing hunger, improving food equity and access, and enhancing students’ nutritional intake. This report highlights the impressive work already underway in our state and suggests areas where Massachusetts can continue to innovate to enhance students’ diets and prevent chronic disease,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "The Department of Public Health is proud to have been a part of these important conversations about nutrition and school meals, and I am grateful for the Commission’s hard work in the development of this report and for their contributions to improving children’s health across the commonwealth.” 

 

Massachusetts became the eighth state to provide universal free school meals when Governor Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Universal free school meals have led to major increases in student participation, with schools serving 87,000 more lunches and breakfasts per day in school year 2023-24 compared to 2021-22. Throughout the 2023-24 school year, 584,000 students ate lunch every school day, with 101.7 million total meals served, an increase of 8.3 million meals compared to prior school year. 

 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports healthy school meals in a variety of ways. In May, the administration awarded $220,600 to 16 school districts to buy kitchen equipment to store fruits and vegetables and offer better meal choices. Through Terrific Trays, DESE and Massachusetts Farm to School recognize a different school district each month of the school year for providing exceptional school meals that use local foods sourced from Massachusetts farms, dairies and fisheries. The Department also administers MA FRESH grants, which help schools expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system.   

 

“The implementation of permanent, universal, free school meals is one of the incredible initiatives that wouldn’t be possible without the success of the Fair Share Amendment, using a small tax on our wealthiest residents to feed hundreds of thousands of children each day,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education and a member of the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission. “I have long been an advocate for healthier school meals and the recommendations released today by the commission are a strong step forward to ensure that students receive nutritious meals and fuel their success in schools.” 

 

“It was an honor to serve on the School Nutrition Standards Commission alongside driven, dedicated leaders in the school nutrition space,” said Representative Andy Vargas, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses and a member of the School Meal Nutrition Standards Commission. “The Commonwealth remains committed to supporting students and families through universal school meals, and I’m inspired by the innovation happening across Massachusetts to ensure every child has access to healthy, high-quality food. This report shows our efforts range from what is on the plate to how students experience meals, including having enough time to eat and ensuring options are clearly labeled and accessible.”