FRESH Network: Assisting Ozark School District with Understanding Contaminants in School Meals and Transitioning to Better Food Systems

Project Abstract: This project seeks to investigate the presence of contaminants in school meals and their connection to ultra-processed food consumption, nutrition, and overall student health. With Arkansas ranking among the highest in the nation for childhood obesity and food insecurity, this research could not be more urgent. Our team will conduct a yearlong comparative study of vendor-provided, ultra-processed meals and scratch-cooked, farm-fresh alternatives. We will test for contaminants such as sodium, preservatives, heavy metals, and nitrates, while simultaneously tracking student responses, food waste, and engagement. Through three seasonal survey rounds and hands-on focus groups, we will engage students, kitchen staff, and families to assess perception, alertness, and satisfaction. This will be paired with curriculum-aligned materials to support classroom integration in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. Participating schools will receive support in developing healthier dishes, collecting data, and purchasing kitchen equipment such as combi ovens to increase their capacity for scratch cooking. Graduate researchers will assist with data collection and reporting, and public dashboards will share outcomes in real time. We are especially focused on equity and access, prioritizing rural and under-resourced schools that often lack the infrastructure to improve their meal programs. Arkansas, a state with a $21 billion agricultural industry, is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in school food reform. This collaborative effort includes Thaden School, Healthy Flavors, University of Arkansas Extension, and school districts ranging from Ozark to Cabot, all aligned in a shared mission to transform what’s possible in the cafeteria. We respectfully request your support for this initiative—one that uplifts communities, protects children’s health, and lays the foundation for a national school food model rooted in transparency, nutrition, and dignity.