Feeding the Future: A Study for Kids, From Kids 

Since 2007, Gleaners Community Food Bank has provided essential summer meals to children through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)*. In 2024, Gleaners concluded a groundbreaking two-year study focused on designing a meal program that was not only nutritious but also that kids were excited to eat. 

For the first time—not just for Gleaners, but in any published study— our team documented exactly what and how much they ate, in addition to asking the children directly about their preferences. “We’re meeting kids where they’re at,” said Dr. Julie Bedford, senior director of school partnerships. “We collected feedback directly from kids about the foods they like to eat because we want to approach it from their perspective.” 

The study offered valuable insights into children’s eating habits. For example, the idea that “kids eat with their eyes” led to thoughtful changes, such as ensuring every plate had three colors and balancing nutritious options with familiar favorites like burrito bowls, pizza on whole-wheat crust, chicken nuggets made from white meat, and sweet potato fries. Presentation also proved important—switching from beige plates to black plates encouraged kids to eat more of their meals. 

These findings helped guide updates to Gleaners’ 2024 summer meal program. Warm meals were introduced, more fresh fruit and enhanced proteins were included, and mobile mealtimes were adjusted to better fit children’s schedules. “The changes we’ve made so far are already making a significant, statistical improvement in the amount of food kids are eating,” said Dr. Bedford.   

Through studies like these, Gleaners is making meaningful, long-term improvements that support kids and families across Southeastern Michigan. “We’ve gotten a ton of positive feedback from kids and parents this past year,” said Dr. Bedford. “Now we’re building on what we know is working to continue supporting these families into the future.” 

*Since first publishing this story, Gleaners has made the difficult decision to step away from our role as a sponsor for both SFSP and CACF to concentrate our focus and learnings into other areas of programming. Learn more here.