Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Malnutrition continues to be the primary cause of delayed growth and development among students in economically disadvantaged rural areas of China. Ensuring adequate and appropriate dietary intake is crucial for promoting the healthy growth of these students. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? In rural areas of central and western regions in China, the weekly consumption frequencies of meat, eggs, milk, legumes, fruits, and vegetables in 2021 were higher than those in 2019. However, the consumption levels remained relatively low in economically underdeveloped rural areas in 2021. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Understanding the frequency of food consumption among students can provide a solid evidence base for the development of policies and strategies aimed at controlling and preventing malnutrition.