School meals as a resource for low-income families in three European countries: a comparative case approach

O’Connell, Rebecca; Brannen, Julia; Ramos, Vasco; Skuland, Silje Elisabeth; Trüninger, Mónica

doi:10.1080/14616696.2022.2078498

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…A recent systematic review on universal free school meals also showed that most studies found positive associations with diet quality, food security, and academic performance [ 31 ]. Moreover, there is renewed focus on the role of publicly funded school meals in protecting children from the direct effects of poverty and food insecurity [ 32 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Which factors promote and prohibit successful implementation and normalization of a healthy school lunch program at primary schools in the Netherlands?

Kleef

Dijkstra

Seidell

et al. 2022

J Health Popul Nutr

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Background A school provided healthy lunch might help to improve the nutritional quality of children’s lunches. However, in the Netherlands, school lunch programs are not common. The aim of this study was to identify factors that promote or inhibit the implementation of a school lunch program at primary schools, from the viewpoint of school professionals. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 204 primary school professionals. The normalization process theory and its four constructs (i.e. coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflective monitoring) were used to develop questions and interpret findings. Descriptive statistics were used for 14 multiple choice questions (yes, no, don’t know) and thematic content analysis for qualitative responses. Results Participants had a shared understanding about how a lunch program differed from current practices. Most participants had the same view on the rationale for implementation (coherence), such as equality among children. Sixty percent expected that a healthy school lunch will contribute to healthier eating by the children. Participants showed different degrees of cognitive participation (46% indicated that healthy school lunch is good idea). Commitment depended on their belief whether providing a healthy lunch was part of their responsibility as school and 30% expected a large effect on their daily work (collective action). When appraising school lunch implementation (reflective monitoring), participants’ concerns focused on feasibility and adaptability of a program in their own school. Conclusions The introduction of a school lunch program will require substantial effort, although there is considerable support and understanding about potential benefits. The findings point to a number of preconditions for large-scale introduction, including the need for support—both financially and organizationally—bottom-up involvement of teachers, children and parents and freedom to adapt the program.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Which factors promote and prohibit successful implementation and normalization of a healthy school lunch program at primary schools in the Netherlands?

Kleef

Dijkstra

Seidell

et al. 2022

J Health Popul Nutr

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show abstract

“…It is likely however that the Bill will be revised and incorporated into law, providing greater protection for children in Scotland to food that is available, accessible and adequate (156) . How this right will be implemented remains to seen, but O'Connell & Brannen (157) argue that a well regulated publicly funded school meal system that offers children the equal opportunity to eat nutritious food, without fear of exclusion, is a means through which children's right to food can be realised. Whilst school meals can be a means through which food insecurity may be mitigated in the school setting, it can only ever be partial given the range of other settings, institutions and social practices that impact on CYP's access to and experiences of food.…”

Section: Right To Foodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food insecurity in children and young people in Scotland

Chambers,

Machray,

Fergie

2024

Proc. Nutr. Soc.

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The aim of this review was to highlight the key issues in relation to food insecurity among children and young people living in Scotland. It provides an overview of the current context of food insecurity more generally within the UK and specifically in Scotland. Food insecurity has risen in Scotland evidenced through responses to national surveys and the dramatic increase in households relying on emergency food provision. Food insecurity is highest among young people, single parent families and single men. The key drivers of food insecurity include insufficient income, welfare reform, food inflation and geo-political events. Evidence suggests that food insecurity is negatively related to sufficient nutritional intake, and the implications for physical and mental health are profound. Policy actions implemented to mitigate the impact of food insecurity on children and young people include the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, food voucher schemes, free school meals, and holiday food provision. Further evidence is required to evaluate the success of these policies in reducing or mitigating food insecurity. The review concludes by considering the ways in which a rights-based approach to food might benefit children and young people living in Scotland, and argues that wider systemic change is required.

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“…Food insecurity, defined as an individual's lack of access to, or inability to consume, sufficient nutritious food to live a healthy and an active life (O'Connell et al, 2022;Chilton, Knowles and Bloom, 2017;Giner and Placzek, 2022;Ashby et al, 2016) remains a concern across OECD countries. Between 2018 and 2020, an estimated 7.5% of the population experienced moderate food insecurity, while an average of 0.5% to 13% experienced severe food insecurity (Giner and Placzek, 2022).…”

Section: Food Insecurity and Its Impact On Children Remains A Challen...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, means-tested programmes may also present a barrier to accessibility, since children who do not fall in the income threshold may also suffer food insecurity (Cohen et al, 2021). In addition, the conditionality of means-tested programmes has been seen as creating social stigma among lower-income students, who are set apart from their peers (O'Connell et al, 2022;WHO, 2021).…”

Section: School Meal Programmes: What's the Evidence?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Food for thought: School meals for sustainable societies

2023

OECD Education Spotlights

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School meal programmes support physical and education outcomes of children and adolescents and help close nutritional gaps and address food insecurity globally. Through such programmes, education systems can help ensure that all students have access to nutritionally balanced diets and support health literacy development, while also raising awareness of the social and environmental implications of food production and consumption. They can even contribute to strengthening local food economies and thereby help communities develop a healthier, more balanced overall approach to food.The Trends Shaping Education Spotlights series has been discontinued. Spotlights created with data from Trends Shaping Education publications are now published under the OECD Education Spotlights series.

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School meals as a resource for low-income families in three European countries: a comparative case approach

Cited by 4 publications

References 40 publications

Which factors promote and prohibit successful implementation and normalization of a healthy school lunch program at primary schools in the Netherlands?

Which factors promote and prohibit successful implementation and normalization of a healthy school lunch program at primary schools in the Netherlands?

Food insecurity in children and young people in Scotland

Food for thought: School meals for sustainable societies

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