Parent Satisfaction and Organizational Factors Associated with Curbside School Meal Distribution in Southern California during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, school meals served nationally in 2020 declined by 30%. However, meals increased by 147% in the Redlands Unified School District of Southern California, with United States Department of Agriculture waivers regarding the Universal Free Meals Program (UFM) and participation in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program (FFFB). The study examined parental assessments regarding weekly meal pick-ups and factors supporting school involvement in those government programs. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was given per vehicle (n=2,889) at six sites during a weekly meal distribution service in November 2020. There were 2,356 complete surveys (79% response rate). Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify significant associations with high usage (3 to 4 times per month) of school meals pickups. Results: Those excited about FFFB were more likely to be frequent users, Odds Ratio 1.52, P<0.001. Most helpful communication for high usage was district website or referral, OR =1.38, P=0.034. Eighty-four percent of families had more than one child. Families with four to five children were 2.07 times more likely to be high users, P<0.001. Among optional comments (n=907), common messages were gratitude (85.8%) and positive customer service (45.3%). Substantial organizational changes such as renting refrigerated trucks and trailers and shifts beginning at 3:30 am, were needed to distribute meals successfully. Conclusion: Parental gratefulness for UFM ‘Grab and Go’ school meals program suggests that all-inclusive access to UFM may reduce food aid stigma. Programs such as FFFB could address food insecurity; but require schools to make operational changes.