2016.0 - State-level universal school meal programs as a lens into mental health agency spending in the United States: A descriptive analysis

Program: APHA Student Assembly

Session: Socioeconomic Factors and Health Outcomes

Author: Debbie Humphries

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Abstract

Background

Eight states have passed legislation to codify universal school meal programs among all public schools. These programs provide free school breakfasts and lunches to all students. A strong link exists between children’s mental health outcomes and the presence of subsidized school meal programs, and this study analyzes the differences in annual spending on mental health agencies per capita between states that have passed universal school meal programs and states that have the highest prevalence of very low food secure households.

Methods

This study utilizes data from public resources to identify the 8 states that have passed legislation to codify universal school meal programs and the 8 states with the highest prevalence of very low food security (n = 16 states). We use data on 2023 state population counts and 2023 state spending on mental health agencies to outline the per capita spending on mental health agencies in each state.

Results

The data analysis is still underway, but preliminary findings reveal that states with the highest prevalence of very low food security tend to spend less on mental health agencies per capita than states that have passed universal school meal programs.

Conclusions

This study reveals a critical gap in the literature to compare state spending priorities between states that invest in preventative health programs for children and those that do not. By better understanding the correlation between preventative health spending and per capita state budget allocations, the public health community can more accurately advocate for impactful and cost-effective state-level programming.