The Math–Nutrition Connection: 5 Ways Healthy School Meals Add Up to Better Academic Performance

A student sitting at a desk in a classroom while a teacher and another student work on math equations at the chalkboard in the background.

Why nourishing, high‑quality school meals help boost math scores, improve focus and support long‑term student success

School districts nationwide are discovering how high nutrition standards can help lead to better academic performance for students. A growing body of evidence shows a powerful link between quality dietary nourishment and academic outcomes, particularly in math. As districts look to nurture student success, ensuring access to nutritious, high-quality meals is proving to be a smart move. The data is exciting and consistent:

  • Students with access to healthy school meals significantly increase their math achievement.1
  • When the National Institutes of Health studied the diets of 46,000 students, it found healthy food choices were associated with a 17.5% increase in standardized math test scores.2
  • Research shows that children who consistently eat nutritious breakfasts have better concentration and score higher in math assessments.3

Here are five important ways good nutrition directly supports stronger math performance and academic growth.

1. Nutrition improves brain function and concentration

Good nutrition plays a foundational role for brain development and cognitive function. Sodexo is committed to providing meals bursting with essential nutrients such as iron, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. These nutrients are associated with helping children maintain attention, improve memory and enhance problem-solving abilities. It has been shown that diets that are rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables help students improve brain function and school readiness.4 In addition, the CDC research reports that children who eat healthily are better able to concentrate and retain information.5 

Bright Bites Kitchen offers expertly created menu items designed especially for the high-quality nourishment of young students, featuring nutrient-dense choices such as blueberry yogurt parfait, veggie-packed chicken biryani with turmeric, ginger-garlic broccoli salad, Mediterranean hummus parfait and much more.

2. Healthy meals are associated with better math test scores

Students love the delicious lunch offerings Sodexo provides. But in addition to appealing flavors, these meals can help give students an academic boost. Numerous studies point to a direct correlation between nutritious school meals and improved academic performance in math. 

For example, a study by the Brookings Institution found significant increases on standardized tests when schools provided students with healthy meal options.6 Research from the University of California, Berkeley, found that students in schools with healthier lunch programs scored significantly higher in standardized tests compared to students at schools with less nutritious offerings. In fact, according to the study, districts with healthier meals saw math scores increase so much it would be equal to having an extra four weeks of learning per year.7 

 3. Proper nourishment reduces disparities in academic achievement

Access to nutritious meals helps level the playing field for low-income students, who are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. When all students have access to high-quality meals, schools see a narrowing of academic achievement gaps—particularly in math, where performance disparities often emerge early. One study showed that making nutritious food readily available led to statistically significant improvements in math scores for low-income students.8 Providing equitable access to healthy Sodexo meals ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.

4. Well-nourished students are more ready to learn

Sodexo offers tasty, nutritious meals featuring fresh, sustainable ingredients—precisely the kind of high-quality nutrition that helps students absorb new information. For instance, our Crave menu provides trendy items and lots of choice for students, especially teenagers, keeping them engaged while ensuring that they receive the nourishment that supports strong school performance. 

Research shows that high nutritional standards are associated with improved school readiness.2 One study found that students who develop good nutrition habits increase their attendance by an average of 1.5 days per year.9 In addition, when students have nutritious food options, research shows a drop in attention issues and behavioral problems.10 Overall, students become more engaged in school life. For instance, districts in Middletown, CT, and Holyoke, MA, found that lunch participation levels improved 6% after partnering with Sodexo, while in Findlay, OH, lunch participation rose by 16%.

5. Nutritious school lunch program options lead to long-term student and community success

Improved math performance isn’t just about better test scores—it’s about future success. Math skills are a strong predictor of high school graduation, college readiness and career opportunities in STEM fields. Investing in school nutrition is an investment in the long-term economic health of the school community. Healthy food options keep students in school, which is especially important because students who attend class more regularly are 20% more likely to graduate high school.9

In the big picture, Sodexo school meals, which are designed to provide high-quality wholesome ingredients and a high level of nutritious value, help contribute to reduced absenteeism, higher engagement and improved classroom behavior—all of which support better academic outcomes across all subjects. By prioritizing well-balanced, nutrient-rich meals, school districts can create a supportive environment where every student has the chance to thrive.

Want to strengthen academic outcomes in your district through better nutrition? Contact us today to learn how Sodexo can partner with you to bring high‑quality, student‑approved meals to your schools.

 

 

Sources:

  1. The Learning Scientists. https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2022/7/28-1
  2. School Nutrition Association. https://schoolnutrition.org/about-school-meals/school-meal-statistics/
  3. National Institutes of Health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8852839/
  4. Food Research & Action Center. (2016) Breakfast for Learning. https://frac.org/research/resource-library/breakfast-learning
  5. School Food and Wellness Group. https://www.sfwgroup.org/single-post/eating-your-way-to-better-grades-the-impact-of-nutrition-on-academic-achievement
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/school-nutrition/facts/index.html#:~:text=Schools%20are%20in%20a%20unique,reduced%20absenteeism%2C%20and%20improved%20mood.
  7. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-the-quality-of-school-lunch-affects-students-academic-performance/
  8. National Bureau of Economic Research. Anderson, M. L., et al. (2018). School Lunch Quality and Academic Performance. UC Berkeley, https://www.nber.org/papers/w23218
  9. Schwartz, A. E., et al. (2020). The Impact of Universal Free Meals on Student Performance. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pam.22175
  10. No Kid Hungry. https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/sites/default/files/media/no-kid-hungry-starts-with-breakfast_0.pdf
  11. Food Research & Action Center. https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/breakfastforlearning-1.pdf