Child meal support program, food and nutrition insecurity, and health among Korean children.

This article examines the impact of Korea's Child Meal Support Program (CMSP), a food assistance initiative for children from low-income households, on food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and health outcomes. Using 2018 survey data of 847 children aged 9–17, the study compares two CMSP types—child meal card (CMC) electronic vouchers and facility meal service (FMS)—with income-eligible nonparticipants. Findings indicate that CMC participants had more frequent breakfast consumption but poorer self-rated general health, while FMS participants were less likely to consume three meals daily and eat fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods compared to nonparticipants. The study concludes that CMSP had limited effectiveness in reducing FNI or improving health, suggesting that programs offering greater flexibility (like CMC) may better alleviate FNI but raise potential health concerns, whereas facility-based services adhering to nutritional guidelines may better support overall health. Recommendations include enhancing nutritional quality, reducing stigma, and tailoring program designs to balance food security and health outcomes.