Resources Needed for Education and Meal Programs by Urban Schoolteachers and Staff During the 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2021

Identifier

DOI: 10.1111/josh.13028; PMCID: PMC8206988

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adjustments in teaching resources and school meal programs are urgently needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined teaching resources that would have been helpful when schools closed, and how school meal programs should be changed in the 2020-2021 school year.

METHODS: In October 2020, a 27-item, cross-sectional, online survey was administered to 99 teachers and staff members in an urban, Midwestern school district. Data were analyzed using frequencies and proportions, and open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS: Online teaching was difficult for teachers and students, and training for online teaching, improved Internet access, and more time for grading or office hours would have been helpful when schools closed. Meal programs were offered by 86% of schools after closing, and many participants supported continuing meal programs for 2020-2021. Resources needed to continue meal programs included funding for meal reimbursement, transportation to the meal sites, and more staff. Suggested changes to meal programs included offering more variety or more food, and solving transportation issues.

CONCLUSION: Addressing these concerns can improve school and community health. Findings will inform efforts to enhance online teaching and improve and continue school meal programs as the world continues to be affected by COVID-19.

Journal Title

The Journal of school health

Volume

91

Issue

7

First Page

535

Last Page

540

MeSH Keywords

COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Food Services; Health Promotion; Humans; Nutrition Policy; School Health Services; Students; Urban Population

Keywords

COVID-19; coronavirus; online teaching; school food services; school meals; teacher resources

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