Well-nourished children are tardy or absent less often. They have fewer behavioral problems, require fewer visits to the school nurse, and are less susceptible to obesity, diabetes, and a variety of other health problems.

Improving school meals can make an almost immediate difference in academic performance. Better-quality diets are linked to higher test scores, longer attention spans, increased work capacity, and more class participation.

In many schools, improved meals have led to higher participation and increased income. When meals use food grown locally, local jobs are created and more money remains in the community.

Freshly prepared school meals can reduce the need for processed foods, minimize wasteful packaging, shorten the distance food is shipped, and create incentives for healthier agricultural practices.