Parent Perceptions of School Meals as Predictors of Participation Among Pacific Islander Families in the United States
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21354465 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lori Andersen Spruance (0000-0003-0254-483X, Department of Public Health Brigham Young University Provo Utah USA, corresponding author), Dilany Santamaria (Department of Public Health Brigham Young University Provo Utah USA), Sarah M Hall (0009-0004-1985-3297, Department of Public Health Brigham Young University Provo Utah USA) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 96 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | e70169-e70169 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of School Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/josh.70169 |
| PMID | 42187044 |
| OpenAlex | W7162417100 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 41 |
BACKGROUND: Pacific Islander families in the United States experience high rates of food insecurity and diet-related chronic disease. School meal programs can improve nutrition and reduce family burdens, yet little is known about Pacific Islander parents' perceptions of these programs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 150 Pacific Islander parents of K-12 public school students across the United States Parents reported their child's participation in the school breakfast program (SBP) and national school lunch program (NSLP), perceptions of school meals, and demographic characteristics. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of daily/almost daily participation. RESULTS: Nearly half of children did not regularly participate in SBP, and 31% did not regularly participate in NSLP. Participation was higher among those eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Perceived family benefits significantly increased the odds of both breakfast and lunch participation, while negative perceptions reduced participation in breakfast. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Findings suggest culturally appropriate outreach emphasizing family benefits and improving meal quality and variety may increase participation among Pacific Islander families. CONCLUSIONS: Parent perceptions strongly shape school meal participation. Enhancing awareness, access, and cultural relevance may reduce disparities and improve health equity.
Equity (law) · Health equity · Logistic regression · Odds · Outreach · Pacific islanders · Perception · Public health · Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
Diet-Related Disparities
The WHO Health Promoting School framework for improving the health and well-being of students and their academic achievement
Consistent dietary patterns identified from childhood to adulthood
Universal School Meals and Associations with Student Participation, Attendance, Academic Performance, Diet Quality, Food Security, and Body Mass Index
Predicting Obesity in Young Adulthood from Childhood and Parental Obesity
Breakfast Habits, Nutritional Status, Body Weight, and Academic Performance in Children and Adolescents
Race/Ethnicity Predicts School Meal Participation
Family
Association of cultural affinity and island food consumption in the Pacific Islander health study
Parental perception of the nutritional quality of school meals and its association with students’ school lunch participation
School Lunch Participation and Youth School Failure
Capturing Racial/Ethnic Diversity in Population-Based Surveys
Multigenerational Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Families’ Perspectives on Health and Well-Being
| Highly cited | No |
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