Parent Perceptions of School Meals as Predictors of Participation among Pacific Islander Families in the United States
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| Title: | Parent Perceptions of School Meals as Predictors of Participation among Pacific Islander Families in the United States |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Lori Andersen Spruance, Dilany Santamaria, Sarah Hall (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Health. 2026 96(6). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Parent Attitudes, Breakfast Programs, Lunch Programs, Predictor Variables, Family Involvement, Pacific Islanders, Student Participation, Elementary School Students, Secondary School Students, School Policy, School Health Services |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70169 |
| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: | 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. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1508048 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70169 |
