UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health

Children and adolescents living in rural communities are at increased risk of obesity and food insecurity. Schools can play an essential role in addressing diet-related disparities, but multiple factors can impact the cafeteria environment and student participation in school meal programs. This summary of the research review Rural Schools: Challenges and Opportunities for School Meal Programs highlights how school meal operational characteristics in rural schools compare to urban and suburban schools; identifies challenges that impact the operation of rural school meal programs; and presents opportunities for innovation.