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Tips for inclusive school food programs

Last updated on March 13, 2025

When schools create inclusive programs, it can reduce stigma and students and families may be more likely to participate in and benefit from school food programs.

Reducing stigma in school food programs

Sometimes, students or families can feel singled out or ashamed when accessing food at school. This can happen if using a school food program makes students feel different from their peers.

For example, students or families might feel singled out if:

  • They have to fill out a difficult registration form
  • They get food in a separate area from their friends
  • They are given different food than other students

When schools create inclusive food programs, it can reduce stigma and students and families may be more likely to participate in and benefit from these programs.​

Strategies for creating inclusive programs

Inclusive payment considerations

  • Creating food payment options that are the same for everyone (for example, pre-paid meal cards) so students and staff can’t tell who has paid and who is receiving subsidized food
  • Using a pay-what-you-can or sliding scale payment model, where food is offered to students at a flexible price that families can confidentially select and pay for in advance
  • Using online ordering systems that allow all students to purchase the same food options in advance, with confidential subsidies or alternative payment methods available
    • Exclusive online ordering systems can create a barrier for some families, depending on digital literacy and access to the internet. It may be helpful to also have alternate payment options like cash, cheque or e-transfer

Shared experience

  • Ensuring all students have the same food options to choose from and receive food from the same place
  • Avoiding practices that draw attention to free or subsidized foods such as colour-coded meal tickets or brown bag lunches for free meals

Confidentiality

  • Creating systems to ensure privacy and confidentiality. This could look like identifying a trusted adult or school administrator as the main contact for any student or family who may need assistance accessing food

Regular communication

  • Communicating about school food programs with students and families regularly and through various communication methods
  • Focusing on inclusive and positive terminology