Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition

The Massachusetts Healthy School Lunch Coalition is a nonprofit, evidence-based advocacy group working with state policymakers to make public school lunches healthier. It brings together students, parents, teachers, school leaders, public health, nutrition and sustainability experts, and community members around one goal: that every child in Massachusetts has access to nutritious, delicious and balanced meals at school, building lifelong healthy habits and reducing the burden of diet-related disease.

The coalition argues that school meals matter most for children who lack healthy food at home, and that universal free school meals only work if the food meets all students’ needs. It pushes for stronger nutrition standards and inclusive menus that respect students’ ethical, religious and cultural beliefs, along with sustainable practices. It also aims to create a more inclusive environment that attracts more students to school meal programs.

What to Know

• The coalition was founded in 2020.
• It has support from Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University, the Boston University School of Public Health and the Tufts Friedman School.
• It works in partnership with Balanced, a nonprofit focused on nutrition and public health.
• Anyone can join the coalition and take part in its advocacy.