Students’ Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program

Authors

Jill Eckart
Kathryn A. Strong
Darlene K. Moppert
Neal D. Barnard

Publication Date

June 2010

Abstract

Offering plant-based options in school lunches may help schools meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient standards by providing students with options that are low in fat and cholesterol-free. Research indicates that well- planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all ages and have certain health benefits; however, it is not clear whether students are willing to incorporate vegetarian foods into their diets. We assessed students’ willingness to purchase vegan menu items in school lunches and evaluate the nutrient profiles of vegan and nonvegan menu items offered. Vegan items were offered once per week for four weeks in elementary and middle school cafeterias located in a demographically diverse school district. Researchers tracked menu items sold, nutrients of menu items offered, and ease of vegan item preparation. Vegan options accounted for more than half of the average number of meals sold at each school on study days. Vegan menu items were lower in total fat, saturated fat, and energy and provided more dietary fiber compared with the competing foods. Food service managers indicated that vegan menu items were easy to prepare. Students are willing to purchase vegan options offered in the school lunch line. Offering vegan school lunches on a regular basis may help food service directors meet nutrient standards and improve child nutrition.

Recommended Citation

Eckart, Jill; Strong, Kathryn A.; Moppert, Darlene K.; and Barnard, Neal D. (2010) "Students’ Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program," Florida Public Health Review: Vol. 7, Article 10.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/fphr/vol7/iss1/10