Estimated Impact of Universal Free School Meal Policies on Educational Outcomes in the U.S

Universal free school meal policies aim to improve student well-being by expanding meal access for all children regardless of income. While evidence supports increased participation in meal programs, research on educational outcomes remains limited. This study evaluated the impact of universal free school meal policies on chronic absenteeism, academic performance, graduation rates, and dropout rates in the U.S.

Using a difference-in-differences approach with linear mixed-effects models, this study analyzed school-level administrative data from >10,000 schools across three periods: 2018-2019 (baseline), 2021-2022 (federal universal free school meal), and 2022-2023 (postimplementation of federal policy). Five states with state-level universal free school meal policies were compared with six matched control states that reverted to means-tested programs. A subsample of 6,500 schools that adopted the Community Eligibility Provision after the federal universal free school meal policy ended was also examined.

State-level universal free school meal policies reduced chronic absenteeism by 3 percentage points (95% CI= [-5, -2]), with larger reductions in schools serving higher proportions of Black students (-4 percentage points, 95% CI = [-4, -3]). Universal free school meals were associated with improvements in English proficiency by 3 percentage points (95% CI=[1, 6]). Effects on mathematics, graduation rates, and dropout rates were not statistically significant. Schools adopting Community Eligibility Provision showed reduced absenteeism among schools with higher proportions of Black and White students but no overall improvement in test scores.

Universal free school meal policies may reduce chronic absenteeism and support postpandemic educational recovery, particularly in schools serving more Black students.