Research brief highlights benefits and challenges faced by California school foodservice professionals during COVID-19 and beyond

Aug 23, 2022

In their latest research brief, Nutrition Policy Institute researchers highlight the benefits and challenges faced by California school foodservice professionals implementing the federally-funded universal school meals through the Seamless Summer Option during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings also include the resources most needed as California becomes among the first in the nation to implement a statewide universal school meals program starting in the 2022-23 school year. Results are from a survey of over 580 California foodservice directors and managers conducted in February 2022. The brief is available online. This research was conducted by Christina Hecht, Monica Zuercher, Ken Hecht, Wendi Gosliner and Lorrene Ritchie of NPI and was funded by the 2021 California Senate Bill 170.


By Danielle L. Lee
Author - Director of Communications & Research Engagement
By Wendi Gosliner
Editor - Project scientist
By Lorrene Ritchie
Editor - Director of the Nutrition Policy Institute and Cooperative Extension Nutrition Specialist