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337404
Evaluating the nutrition, economic, and environmental impacts of a US elementary school-based Meatless Monday program


Monday, November 2, 2015

Stacy Blondin, MSPH, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA
Sean Cash, PhD, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA
Timothy Griffin, PhD, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy; Agriculture, Food and Environment Program, Tufts University, Boston, MA
Jeanne P. Goldberg, PhD, RD, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA
Christina D. Economos, PhD, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA
Background: Adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and reductions in meat consumption are associated with positive health and environmental outcomes. Hundreds of schools across the US have adopted Meatless Monday (MM) programs. Yet, the impact of these programs has not been evaluated.

Objectives: To evaluate the nutrition, economic, and environmental impacts of a Meatless Monday (MM) program implemented through a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in a large, urban, low-income elementary school district.

Methods: A secondary analysis of NSLP data collected during  school years (SY) 2012-2015 in >400 elementary schools serving >250,000 students will compare the nutrient content and quality, program revenue, and greenhouse gas emissions and water footprint associated with entrees and meals offered and served on Mondays and across weekly meal cycles before and after Meatless Monday program implementation using linear regression models.

Results: Nutrient content and quality (Nutrient Rich Food Index) of entrees offered and served before and program implementation will be calculated and compared to determine the nutritional impact of the MM program. Food procurement costs ($/entree), NSLP participation rates (% children), competitive food sales ($/day), revenue from school meals (meals served*reimbursement rate), and total revenue (meals served*reimbursement rate+competitive food sales) will be calculated and compared to quantify the economic impact. Greenhouse gas emissions (kg CO2e) and water footprint (liters) associated with meal production will be calculated and compared to quantify the environmental impact.

Conclusion: Findings will provide a comprehensive assessment of the impact of MM programming and inform MM NSLP policies in other districts and nation-wide.

Learning Areas:

Environmental health sciences
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related public policy
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Compare the nutrient content (Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act target nutrients) and quality (Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF3.9)) of entrees and meals offered and served before and after (pre-post) implementation of a Meatless Monday (MM) program in a large, urban, low-income US school district's elementary school National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Compare food cost, program participation rates, competitive food sales, NSLP revenue, and total revenue pre-post MM program implementation. Compare the greenhouse gas emissions and water footprint associated with meal production pre-post MM program implementation.

Keyword(s): Nutrition, Sustainability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral candidate in Food Policy and Applied nutrition with expertise in nutrition and sustainable diets and diet-related behavior.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3316.0: PHEHP Student Research Awards