Meeting school food standards – students’ food choice and free school meals

Ensaff, Hannah; Russell, Jean; Barker, Margo E.

doi:10.1017/s1368980012005575

Cited by 17 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Previous research has shown how food choice can be changed by the position of foods, e.g., first in the line of foods available, or near the tills [ 53 , 54 ]. Similarly, adolescents’ predisposition for “grab-and-go” foods [ 7 ] can be applied to promote the uptake of plant-based foods, e.g., in providing meals in a portable disposable bowl. In this way, it is proposed that plant-based foods are more accessible to adolescents and likely to become part of their daily food habits.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The majority of British 15-year-olds do not meet the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables every day; further, 64% do not eat fruit daily and 63% do not eat vegetables daily [ 5 ]. Adolescents’ diet is also generally marked with poor food choice, including a high proportion of nutrient-poor and fast foods [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. The implication of this on public health is well-documented [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]; and the high burden of disease due to unhealthy dietary patterns has been acknowledged by World Health Organisation European Member States, with particular concern for childhood obesity and overweight [ 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Adolescents’ Food Choice and the Place of Plant-Based Foods

et al. 2015

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A diet dominated by plant foods, with limited amounts of refined processed foods and animal products conveys substantial health benefits. This study sought to explore adolescents’ attitudes and perceptions towards plant-based foods. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with adolescents (age 14–15 years) (n = 29) attending an inner city school in Yorkshire, UK. Using a grounded theory methodology, data analysis provided four main categories and related concepts revolving around adolescents’ perspectives on plant-based foods: food choice parameters; perceived drivers and benefits of plant-based foods; environmental food cues; barriers to plant-based food choice. In the emergent grounded theory, a clear disconnect between plant-based foods and the parameters that adolescents use to make food choices, is highlighted. Further, key barriers to adolescents adopting a plant-based diet are differentiated and considered with respect to practice and policy. The analysis offers a framework to remodel and re-present plant-based foods. In this way, it is proposed that a closer connection is possible, with consequent shifts in adolescents’ dietary behaviour towards a more plant-based diet and associated health benefits.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adolescents’ Food Choice and the Place of Plant-Based Foods

et al. 2015

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“…The data from the cashless system provided genuine insights into students’ food choice, and enabled the impact of the intervention to be accurately evaluated. The power and value of using such data to examine students’ dietary patterns has been shown previously [ 3 , 20 ], and this study adds to the literature, in particular with respect to monitoring a change accompanying a nutrition intervention.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

“…Adolescents’ diet in the UK is high in saturated fat and sugar, along with low fruit and vegetable consumption [ 1 ]; generally marked by poor food choice, a propensity for fast or grab-and-go foods has been illustrated in previous studies [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. These choices, typified by low intake of plant-based foods, are mirrored in school canteens, where students commonly bypass freshly prepared nutrient rich meals [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food Choice Architecture: An Intervention in a Secondary School and its Impact on Students’ Plant-based Food Choices

et al. 2015

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With growing evidence for the positive health outcomes associated with a plant-based diet, the study’s purpose was to examine the potential of shifting adolescents’ food choices towards plant-based foods. Using a real world setting of a school canteen, a set of small changes to the choice architecture was designed and deployed in a secondary school in Yorkshire, England. Focussing on designated food items (whole fruit, fruit salad, vegetarian daily specials, and sandwiches containing salad) the changes were implemented for six weeks. Data collected on students’ food choice (218,796 transactions) enabled students’ (980 students) selections to be examined. Students’ food choice was compared for three periods: baseline (29 weeks); intervention (six weeks); and post-intervention (three weeks). Selection of designated food items significantly increased during the intervention and post-intervention periods, compared to baseline (baseline, 1.4%; intervention 3.0%; post-intervention, 2.2%) χ2(2) = 68.1, p < 0.001. Logistic regression modelling also revealed the independent effect of the intervention, with students 2.5 times as likely (p < 0.001) to select the designated food items during the intervention period, compared to baseline. The study’s results point to the influence of choice architecture within secondary school settings, and its potential role in improving adolescents’ daily food choices.

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“…Another study have examined students food choices in relation to food standards and free foods provided by the school, which is another important measurement that indicates how the behavior is related to school meal options. In that study, sandwiches, pizza and desserts, were the most chosen items [36], which are rich in carbohydrates and fats. In agreement with our study, a cross sectional study was carried in the year 2013 to assess school meals of preschools, and results showed that mean intake of calories is 339 kcal, which is similar to the current study meals energy level (420kcal).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Childhood Obesity and Quality of Meals: The Saudi School Meal and Home Meal Study SSMHMS – A Cross Sectional Study

Eid¹,

Aljahdali²,

Albajri³

et al. 2018

JFNR

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Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between childhood obesity and quality of food consumed in schools and at home as well. The objectives of this study are to assess quality of school meals and home meals of children between the age 3 to 5 years old, and their obesity level. A cross sectional study conducted on one hundred and thirty children (3-6 years of age; 73 boys and 57 girls) of a private preschool in Jeddah city .Firstly we assessed children weights using anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, IBW/Age, IHT/Age). Secondly Schools meals were analyzed using the USD super tracker (food analysis program) and dietary intakes using both FFQs and 2-day food records to be filled by mothers. We also assessed mother's knowledge, using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS program by applying one way ANOVA using the LSD test and univariate ANOVA test. Data have shown that the prevalence of normal weight, underweight and overweight of the subjects were 66.1%, 6.7% 26.3% respectively. Results showed a significant difference between normal weight student and overweight (p≥ 0.001) and a significant difference between underweight student (p≥ 0.001) and overweight student. Also, there was a significant difference between underweight student and normal weight student (p≥ 0.001). School meal analysis results indicated that the total calories on breakfast are slightly low (23% of total requirement) but the total calories in lunch are slightly high (40% of total requirement) comparing to RDA. Protein content was at the normal range, whereas carbohydrates and saturated fat were at the higher level at lunch (>7%). Finally, responses from mothers on child's home meals were zero. In conclusion, the current study showed that 27% of children were overweight, and meals did not meet the RDA with carbohydrate and fat and lack of interest with mothers to be involved in child nutrition. Such data suggests an increase in the awareness of nutrition and health to staff responsible of preparing meals at schools, teachers and mothers to prevent childhood obesity.

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Meeting school food standards – students’ food choice and free school meals

Cited by 17 publications

References 26 publications

Adolescents’ Food Choice and the Place of Plant-Based Foods

Adolescents’ Food Choice and the Place of Plant-Based Foods

Food Choice Architecture: An Intervention in a Secondary School and its Impact on Students’ Plant-based Food Choices

Childhood Obesity and Quality of Meals: The Saudi School Meal and Home Meal Study SSMHMS – A Cross Sectional Study

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