- Project Overview The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) seeks a qualified vendor to lead a mixed-methods evaluation of how school meal access and quality impact student academic performance and health outcomes. The study will compare data across three school types: • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) • Farm to Table program participants • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools Key metrics include food purchasing behavior, academic assessments, attendance, chronic health conditions, and behavioral indicators. Findings will inform state and district-level policy. Purpose To assess the relationship between student nutrition during the school day and academic outcomes such as test scores, attendance, and behavior. Methodology • Conduct a quasi-experimental study in three Indiana schools selected jointly by IDOH and Vendor. • Schools will be chosen based on data availability and participation in CCLC, Farm to School, or CEP programs. • Additional selection criteria may include grade levels, school type (charter vs. traditional), and geographic location (north, central, south Indiana). • Vendor will obtain IRB approval and ensure all student-level data is collected and handled confidentially.
