Since Anchorage School District (ASD) began rolling out its new school lunch model four years ago, elementary students have been eating 31% more of their entrées and 29% more vegetables, according to data collected by a team based at ISER and the Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services.
The benefits extend beyond lunchtime: national research indicates school lunch participation improves academic outcomes equal to about two months of additional learning within a school year.
The ASD Wellness Evaluation project was a multi-year effort led by Dr. Juliana Cohen of Merrimack College, with ISER Collaborator Dr. Katie Cueva as the Alaska lead. The project also involved collaboration among a large team of University of Alaska Anchorage-based researchers and students, including research professional Rebecca Van Wyck.
Get the full scoop on the district's new nutrition model: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/08/21/real-food-real-people-asd-expands-new-school-lunch-service-model-all-schools/
Katie Cueva, Sc.D., M.A.T., M.P.H.
