School Food: Multiculturalism

As demographics shift and classrooms become more ethnically diverse, meal programs must pay more attention to varied religious and cultural taboos. Though most dietary requirements can be met with minor shifts in food choices, changes in large-scale food purchases and donated commodities are not as responsive and create additional work for local administrators. Agencies also report the difficulties of filling out assistance eligibility forms for undocumented or non–English-speaking immigrants. Both issues may discourage immigrant participation.