Menu Audit of Vegetable-Containing Food Offering in Primary School Canteens in Sydney, Australia: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Children’s vegetable intakes are too low, and school canteens could provide an equitable environment to improve their intake. This study aimed to develop and apply a systematic method to quantify the proportion and variety of vegetable-containing items on primary school canteen menus and examine differences between schools of different socio-economic statuses, sizes and types. Online canteen menus from 112 primary schools in Sydney, Australia, were collected, and data were extracted on a total number of items and vegetable-containing items across different menu categories. Further, data on preparation type and variety were extracted. Differences in the proportion of vegetable items between socio-economic status, school size and type were tested. On average, 80.4 ± 34.0 items were listed, with 30% of items containing vegetables. Most sandwiches (60%) and hot foods (54%) contained no vegetables. The variety of raw vegetables (4.9 ± 1.8 types) was greater than for cooked vegetables (1.3 ± 1.2 types; p < 0.01). Limited differences were observed by socio-economic status and school type. Small schools offered fewer vegetable-containing items than large schools. While primary school canteen menus listed a large variety of items, only one-third contained vegetables. Data from this study can be used to track changes and to develop new opportunities to increase the vegetable supply in schools.

Effectiveness of a Multi-Strategy Behavioral Intervention to Increase Vegetable Sales in Primary School Canteens: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Vegetable-containing items were positioned first on the online menu, ahead of non-vegetable containing items listed in the same category. Changes to the default: A recent menu analysis showed that 60% of sandwiches did not contain vegetables, with many having an option to additionally add (‘opt-in’) salad vegetables [ 11 ]. Based on the prospect theory, the strategy of having a salad vegetable on sandwiches as a default setting was developed.…”

“…Canteen managers were provided with a 12-page brochure containing information and suggestions to increase the vegetable content of their menu. Suggestions were based on the results of the menu analysis of vegetable offerings on canteen menus [ 11 ] and included, among others, “Adding veggies to dishes children already love” (e.g., pizza, hot meal, sandwiches and salads), new vegetable items (snacks, meal deals) and promotion suggestions (focus on fun and taste testing with students to select better recipes). This brochure aligned with the CAMPOV model [ 20 ] by focusing on the importance of sensory acceptance and fun, and not focusing on the health benefits of increased vegetable consumption.…”

“…A systematic analysis of 112 Australian online school canteen menus found an average menu to contain 80 items, with 30% containing vegetables. Most sandwiches (60%) and hot foods (54%) did not contain any vegetables [ 11 ]. Hence, vegetable intakes at school are low.…”

“…Several strategies can be employed to increase vegetable offerings and demand, notably food provisioning and behavioral strategies. Food provisioning strategies can include increasing the vegetable content in existing (popular) dishes or introducing new dishes with a high vegetable content [ 11 ]. It is essential that altered and new dishes take children’s sensory preferences into account, as their food choices are driven by sensory acceptance [ 11 , 20 ].…”

“…Food provisioning strategies can include increasing the vegetable content in existing (popular) dishes or introducing new dishes with a high vegetable content [ 11 ]. It is essential that altered and new dishes take children’s sensory preferences into account, as their food choices are driven by sensory acceptance [ 11 , 20 ]. A new evidence-based model for development of vegetable-based products has recently been proposed, the Children’s Acceptance Model for Product Development of Vegetables (CAMPOV model) [ 20 ].…”