Acceptability of Soy Milk as a Calcium-Rich Beverage in School Children in New York City Public Schools

Acceptability of Soy Milk as a Calcium-Rich Beverage in School Children in New York City Public Schools.

The study intervention proposal:

In the spring and fall of 2026, the investigators aim to test the acceptability of soy milk over a four-week period of time in 11 New York City Public Schools. Leading up to the intervention, the investigators will take baseline measurements of cow's milk, both sales and amount of beverage consumed. During the 4-week intervention, there will be taste tests at each school. At the end of the intervention, the investigators will measure consumption of both cow's milk and soy milk. Students will be offered a sticker for tasting the soy milk and posters and other marketing materials will be utilized in schools. No information, identifiable or otherwise will be collected from the students. In addition to student acceptability, the investigators aim to determine whether calcium was increased as a result of bringing soy milk into the lunch line. This is a replication of a study our team published April 2006 in the Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION. In coordination with the New York City Office of Food and Nutrition Services and non-profit partners, the investigators will conduct a pilot with 11 schools to see how many students take soy milk, and to report on associated food waste. With the results, this will inform the school system with information about expanding access to soy milk and the investigators aim to publish the results to inform other food service staff across the United States about the acceptability of soy milk in school lunch programs.

The pilot will include a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools that opt into the program and they will be grades K-12 and ages 5-18. The New York City Office of Food and Nutrition Services team will invite individual schools to participate and for those who opt in, a virtual and in person training will be provided for both the administrators and food service teams at all schools. The study team will be onsite to administer the consumption measurements and the taste tests.

School administrators and food service staff will be provided an informational training that will include a Power Point presentation describing the pilot program, detailing the taste test, as well as safety measures for those with allergies. Principals will have a notification letter for parents as well as a Frequently Asked Question document about the pilot and soymilk. Schools will also be provided promotional fliers and stickers to share with students upon their discretion.

To assess and/or address any soy milk allergies during the taste testing:

Students often submit an allergy/504 plan or a dietary accommodation request if they have an allergy, and therefore the investigators will be including both the school nurse (if applicable) and cafeteria manager in the pilot training so the investigators can ensure all students who have a documented allergy are notified they cannot partake in the taste test. the investigators will also provide training on avoiding students with allergies in our training. Nurses will be invited to the training and the investigators will ensure that there is uniform communication across all channels needed prior to taste test.