Incorporating Halal Into Healthy and Equitable Dietary Patterns to Address Food and Nutrition Security Among K-12 and University Students: A Perspective

Abstract

Food and nutrition insecurity exist at an alarming rate in the US educational system, ranging from 17% among K-12 students up to 58.8% among university students. Many Muslim American students face food and nutrition insecurity due, in part, to a lack of acknowledgment of student adherence to halal dietary guidelines and the availability of certified halal options at school. This has implications for health, learning, and social outcomes. In this perspective paper, we provide short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations to address food and nutrition insecurity among halal-observant students to advance healthy dietary patterns.

Keywords: K-12 and university students; Muslim American; food and nutrition security; halal dietary guidelines; healthy dietary patterns.