Population Health
March 19, 2026
Universal free school meals linked to lower childhood blood pressure
Universal free school meal programs, introduced through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), have shown broad benefits for students, including improved nutrition and academic outcomes.
A new University of Washington-led study adds another benefit: lower rates of high blood pressure among students in participating schools, with an 11% net decrease over five years.
Researchers suggest that healthier school meals and reduced stigma around participation may drive these improvements. These findings come as cuts to food assistance programs threaten access to CEP, highlighting its importance for child health and informing policy debates on expanding universal free meals.