Beyond the lunch tray: a systematic review of school meals, social justice, and policy in Türkiye


Gokmenoglu T., DURMUŞ C.

Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/19320248.2026.2685292
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: education, equity, nutrition, policy, School meals, social justice
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study examines the research published on school meal programs in Türkiye through the lenses of Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model and Fraser’s social justice framework. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 21 studies published after 2000 were analyzed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings reveal a fragmented research landscape dominated by individual-level nutrition education interventions, with limited attention to institutional, community, and policy dimensions. Persistent disparities between public and private schools, urban and rural areas, and socio-economic groups highlight significant distributive and recognitive justice gaps. While some interventions improve short-term nutritional knowledge, evidence on long-term outcomes and inter-ministerial coordination remains scarce.