A Thematic Analysis of Unpaid School Meals in the News Media

Abstract
Unpaid meals/meal shaming in schools are highlighted in the news media. The purpose of this study was to understand trends and themes in the media relative to meal shaming/unpaid meals. Two databases were used to identify print, cable, and public radio news stories that deal with meal shaming; 355 articles were used for the thematic analysis. Stories came from 46 different states; over half referenced state/local school district policies on meal shaming. The results indicate that meal shaming is a problem and is highlighted in the media. Many issues surrounding unpaid meals could be mitigated by universal no-cost meals.