Impact of School Policy Implementation on Snack Consumption among Primary School Students in Depok, West Java

Abstract

Background: School snacks are an issue that needs public attention, especially parents, educator, and school manager. Snacks sold outside the school are often unhealthy and potentially may cause poisoning. A preliminary study at Beji 6 Public Primary School, Depok, West Java, showed that a lot of unhealthy snacks were sold near schools. This study aimed to examine the impact of school policy implementation on snack consumption among primary school students in Depok, West Java. Subjects and Method: A qualitative study were conducted at Beji 6Primary School, Depok, West Java, in May 2019. Six informants were selected in this study, including school principal, teacher, students, school guard, school canteen sword, and snack trader outside school. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: School policy had only been implemented for the 6 th grade students. The canteen at the Beji 6 Primary School, Depok, was lacking in space. Teachers, students, school guard, snack traders, were not aware of the school policy on snack consumption. School canteen had never received training on healthy school canteen. The school policy was not reinforced because the school did not want to stop the income of the snack traders. School had coordinated with snack traders outside the school about the need to sell food with a healthy and safe process. Local health office and national agency of drug and food control had examined food sample. Conclusion: Implementation of school policy on snack consumption at Beji 6 Primary School, Depok, West Java, is limited. School management and local government need to pay attention on school canteen.