Abstract
Background
There are currently no national standards for lunch period lengths or physical activity
in schools. Research is needed to better understand the impact of school initiatives
that improve policies related to lunch and movement opportunities on student outcomes.
Additionally, best practices are necessary to support schools that are considering
initiatives that address these factors.
Objective
This study examined the impact of implementing longer lunch periods, recess, and other
movement opportunities on student outcomes and best practices for implementation.
Design
A mixed-methods study including surveys and semistructured interviews and focus groups
conducted during the 2019-2020 school year.
Participants/setting
Surveys (n = 5107) from students in grades 3 and 4 attending 19 pilot and 11 matched
control elementary schools and interviews/focus groups among principals, cafeteria
managers, teachers, and parents in a representative subsample (n = 6) of pilot schools
in Anchorage Alaska.
Main outcome measures
Students’ self-reported hunger levels and mood and perceptions and supportive strategies
from school principals, cafeteria staff, teachers, and parents were examined.
Statistical analyses performed
Mixed-model analysis of variance accounting for student demographics with students
as a random effect (students nested within schools) were used to examine differences
in hunger and mood. For interviews/focus groups, responses were analyzed qualitatively
using principles of content analysis.
Results
Longer lunch periods were associated with significantly reduced hunger at the end
of lunch period and significantly increased self-reported happiness in the cafeteria.
Based on interviews/focus groups with school staff and parents, the initiative was
generally perceived positively with reported benefits including reductions in disciplinary
issues and improvements in student focus, social and emotional learning, and overall
student happiness and well-being. Several supportive strategies were identified.
Conclusions
Initiatives that increase lunch period lengths and physical activity opportunities
have the potential to reduce students’ hunger levels and improve focus and behaviors
in the classroom. Schools should consider similar initiatives that incorporate the
suggested strategies to potentially improve outcomes among students.
Keywords
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Biography
J. F. W. Cohen is an associate professor, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA.
Biography
M. Scott is an assistant principal, Anchorage School District, Anchorage, AK.
Biography
M. Sutton is a teaching and learning coordinator, Institute of Social and Economic Research, Anchorage School District, Anchorage, AK.
Biography
K. Cueva is an assistant professor, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage.
Biography
E. T. Shonkoff is an assistant professor, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA.
Biography
R. E. Goldman is a professor, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
Biography
D. N. Margolis is a dean, School of Education and Social Policy, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA.
Biography
A. E. Potempa is a public health specialist, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Anchorage.
Biography
K. Fink is a section chief, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Anchorage.
Biography
S. Gustus is a clinical research coordinator, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Biography
M. Stock is a deputy superintendent, Anchorage School District, Anchorage, AK.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 20, 2021
Accepted:
March 15,
2021
Received:
November 6,
2020
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT This study was funded by a Provost Innovation Award from Merrimack College. The authors have no financial disclosures.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
