The relative price of healthy and less healthy foods available in Australian school canteens

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natassja Billich ◽  
Marijke Adderley ◽  
Laura Ford ◽  
Isabel Keeton ◽  
Claire Palermo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Relative Price ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Australian School ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Food And Beverage

Abstract School canteens have an important role in modelling a healthy food environment. Price is a strong predictor of food and beverage choice. This study compared the relative price of healthy and less healthy lunch and snack items sold within Australian school canteens. A convenience sample of online canteen menus from five Australian states were selected (100 primary and 100 secondary schools). State-specific canteen guidelines were used to classify menu items into ‘green’ (eat most), ‘amber’ (select carefully) and ‘red’ (not recommended in schools). The price of the cheapest ‘healthy’ lunch (vegetable-based ‘green’) and snack (‘green’ fruit) item was compared to the cheapest ‘less healthy’ (‘amber/red’) lunch and snack item, respectively, using an un-paired t-test. The relative price of the ‘healthy’ items and the ‘less healthy’ items was calculated to determine the proportion of schools that sold the ‘less healthy’ item cheaper. The mean cost of the ‘healthy’ lunch items was greater than the ‘less healthy’ lunch items for both primary (AUD $0.70 greater) and secondary schools ($0.50 greater; p < 0.01). For 75% of primary and 57% of secondary schools, the selected ‘less healthy’ lunch item was cheaper than the ‘healthy’ lunch item. For 41% of primary and 48% of secondary schools, the selected ‘less healthy’ snack was cheaper than the ‘healthy’ snack. These proportions were greatest for primary schools located in more, compared to less, disadvantaged areas. The relative price of foods sold within Australian school canteens appears to favour less healthy foods. School canteen healthy food policies should consider the price of foods sold.

scholarly journals Assessment of Food Quality in School Canteens: A Comparative Quantitative Study between Primary and Secondary Schools in Malaysia

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3009
Author(s):  
Leng Huat Foo ◽  
Ying Jing Tan
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Total Sugar Content ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Packaged Foods

Schools are an important food environment to cultivate and promote healthy food choices and practices among children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to assess the type and quality of food and beverages sold in school canteens in public primary and secondary schools in Kelantan, Malaysia. Eligible schools were randomly selected from the list of all schools and detailed information of all food and beverage items sold in the school canteens were collected during school days. Food and beverages were classified based on food groups derived from the Malaysian Food Dietary Guideline and the Recommended Foods for Healthy Cafeteria Guideline. An assessment of the traffic-light nutrition food-labelling system of the total sugar content in all pre-packaged foods was also undertaken. A total of 568 food items were identified, with secondary school canteens selling a greater proportion of food items than the primary schools (55.5% vs. 44.5%). In terms of the main food groups, grains and cereal products represented the largest food group served (33–36%), followed by beverages (21–25%) and confectionary and sweet foods (12–13%). In contrast, the vegetable and fruit group represented the smallest proportion of food items sold (1–3%). Comparisons between primary and secondary schools showed a similar trend and pattern of food types and quality of foods sold, except for animal-based foods. A greater percentage of food items in this category was found among secondary schools (12.1%) versus primary schools (6.7%). When total sugar content of all pre-packaged foods was quantified based on the traffic-light nutrition-labelling system, almost one-third of foods and beverages were classified as high (29.1%). Confectionary (19.1%) and flavoured milk and fruit drinks (10.0%) both exceeded the recommended sugar levels of >22.5 g per 100 g and >11.25 mL per 100 m L, respectively. Only one of these packaged foods and beverages (0.9%) was classified as a healthy food choice. About a quarter of the food items available in school canteens were classified as prohibited based on a new revised list of prohibited food and beverage items. These findings indicate that, despite the Guidelines, a large number of unhealthy food items are being sold in school canteens. Hence, interventions such as sustainable healthy school canteen menus should be implemented to promote healthy food choices amongst school-aged children.

scholarly journals Food supply and actions to improve dietary behaviour of students – a comparison between secondary schools participating or not participating in the ‘Healthy School Canteen Program’

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivon EJ Milder ◽  
Jochen Mikolajczak ◽  
Saskia W van den Berg ◽  
Madelon van de Veen-van Hofwegen ◽  
Wanda JE Bemelmans
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Soft Drinks ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Set Up

AbstractObjective(i) To identify determinants of participation in the ‘Healthy School Canteen Program’, a programme that encourages schools to set up their canteen in a way that promotes healthy dietary behaviour. (ii) To compare food supply and actions between participating and non-participating schools. (iii) To investigate what reasons schools have to increase attention for nutrition in the curriculum.DesignA cross-sectional study based on information from questionnaires performed in 2010/2011.SettingAll secondary schools (age group 12–18 years) in the Netherlands (n 1145).SubjectsResponse was 33 % (n 375). Analyses included all schools with a canteen in which food is offered (28 %, n 325).ResultsNone of the investigated determinants was associated with participation. Participating schools offered significantly (P < 0·001) more of eleven inventoried healthy foods (e.g. sandwiches, (butter)milk, fruit, light soft drinks, yoghurt and salad) than non-participating schools. However, there was no difference in the number of less healthy products offered (e.g. candy bars, cakes and regular soft drinks). Participating schools reported more often that they took actions to improve dietary behaviour and more often had a policy on nutrition. Participating schools more often increased attention for nutrition in the curriculum in recent years than non-participating schools (57 % v. 43 %, P = 0·01). Reported reasons were similar and included media attention, eating behaviour of students and ‘overweight’.ConclusionsSchools that participate in the programme seemed to offer more healthy products in their canteens and took more actions to improve dietary behaviour than non-participating schools. However, at all schools less healthy foods were also available.

scholarly journals Parents’ and Teachers’ Views of Food Environments and Policies in Indian Private Secondary Schools

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Rathi ◽  
Lynn Riddell ◽  
Anthony Worsley
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food Environments ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Effective School ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Food Policies

School food environments and policies can play a pivotal role in inculcating healthy food habits among young people. This cross-sectional survey explored teachers’ and parents’ views of the role of school food environments and policies in promoting healthy food consumption among Indian adolescents. Thirty-two teachers and 280 parents from five private, English-speaking, secondary schools in Kolkata, India took part in a short questionnaire survey which included closed and open answer questions. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were performed to compare the responses of parents and teachers. Thematic data analysis underpinned by Template Analysis Technique was employed to examine the qualitative responses. The easy availability and accessibility of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, the limited availability of nutritious foods, the absence of written food policies, and inflated prices of nutritious foods were reported as problems in the Indian school food environment. However, the respondents also noted that schools restricted the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages and adopted hygienic food practices. Novel ideas for creating healthy school food environments and effective school canteen policies were also captured during the survey. These findings point to the need to create effective school food policies in Indian secondary schools to help adolescents eat healthily at school. Future research is required to test the feasibility of the implementation of school food policies.

scholarly journals Menumbuhkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Dalam Memilih Makanan Sehat Dengan Pembelajaran Literasi Matematika Berbasis Konteks

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-97
Author(s):  
Ahmad Anis Abdullah ◽  
Rino Richardo
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Literacy Learning ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Mathematical Literacy ◽  
Mathematics Literacy

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan bagaimana mengembangkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa dalam memilih makanan sehat dengan pembelajaran literasi matematika berbasis konteks. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini merupakan penelitian studi kepustakaan (library research). Literasi matematika merupakan kemampuan menggunakan pengetahuan matematika guna memecahkan masalah sehari-hari secara lebih baik dan efektif. Literasi matematika dapat membantu individu untuk mengenal peran matematika di dunia nyata dan sebagai dasar pertimbangan dalam penentukan keputusan yang dibutuhkan oleh masyaraka, seperti berpikir kritis dalam memilih makanan sehat. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pemilihan makanan sehat khususnya makanan kemasan dengan pembelajaran literasi matematika berbasis konteks, dapat dilakukan pada pembelajaran tematik di sekolah dasar, sub pokok pembahasan perbandingan dengan objek penelitian tanggal kadaluarsa dan informasi nilai gizi dalam produk kemasan. Kata kunci: literasi statistika, pembelajaran matematika, pendidikan politik, berpikir kritis This study aims to describe how to develop students' critical thinking skills in choosing healthy food with context-based mathematics literacy learning. The method used in this study is a literature study. Mathematical literacy is the ability to use mathematical knowledge to solve daily problems better and more effectively. Mathematical literacy can help individuals to recognize the role of mathematics in the real world and as a basis for consideration in the decision-making needed by society, such as critical thinking in choosing healthy foods. The results of this study indicate that the selection of healthy foods, especially food packaging with context-based mathematics literacy learning, can be done on thematic learning in primary schools, sub-subject discussion of comparison with the object of discussion is expired date and nutritional value information in packaging products. Keywords: healthy food, critical thinking, mathematics learning, Mathematical literacy

scholarly journals Assessment of the physical environment situation in primary schools in the Republic of North Macedonia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Prosheva ◽  
Elena Kjosevska ◽  
Vesna Velikj Stefanovska
Keyword(s):  
Physical Environment ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safe Place ◽  
School Canteen

It is important for the health of the children who go to primary school to have clean drinking water, appropriate toilets, healthy food available  for all and a safe place to learn and play within the school. The aim of this paper was to assess the physical environment of the primary schools across the country, taking into account the current situation of the schools and the priorities they have for improving the school physical environment. Material and methods: Home and foreign literature deposited in PubMed, Scopus and other scientific basses was used. A cross-sectional study covering 320 primary schools in RNM was conducted. The data were collected using the Rapid Assessment Tool, and they were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software package, version 22.0 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Qualitative analysis was performed by determining coefficients of relationships, proportions, and rates. Quantitative series were analyzed using central tendency measures as well as dispersion measures. Results: The current situation was rated as the best (75.31%) by the statement - "All buildings of the school maintain a pleasant temperature, lighting and ventilation". The lowest rated (36.56%) was the current status statement - "School canteen, store and appliances offer healthy food and drink at reasonable prices." Priority (83.44%) was the statement - "School buildings are tailored to students, they are safe, clean and promote hygiene for all students". We can see that better conditions in terms of physical environment are observed among students who attend classes in Macedonian language or are multiethnical, compared to students who attend classes in Albanian language, as well as that the urban schools compared to village schools have better conditions for work. Although the situation in the Southwest region is among the worst at the moment, the schools in this region are still striving to improve. Conclusion: According to the current situation, there is a lack of school canteens, shops and appliances near the schools that would offer healthy food and drinks. The highest priority is for school facilities to be adapted to students, to be safe, clean and to promote hygiene for all students and school staff.

scholarly journals Availability of food and beverage items on school canteen menus and association with items purchased by children of primary-school age

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 2907-2914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Clinton-McHarg ◽  
Lisa Janssen ◽  
Tessa Delaney ◽  
Kathryn Reilly ◽  
Tim Regan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Average Proportion ◽  
Randomised Controlled

AbstractObjectiveTo (i) describe the proportion of foods and beverages available on school canteen menus classified as having high (‘green’), moderate (‘amber’) or low (‘red’) nutritional value; (ii) describe the proportion of these items purchased by students; and (iii) examine the association between food and beverage availability on school canteen menus and food and beverage purchasing by students.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT).SettingA nested sample of fifty randomly selected government schools from the Hunter New England region of New South Wales, Australia, who had participated in an RCT of an intervention to improve the availability of healthy foods sold from school canteens, was approached to participate.SubjectsSchool principals, canteen managers and students.ResultsThe average proportion of green, amber and red items available on menus was 47·9, 47·4 and 4·7 %, respectively. The average proportion of green, amber and red items purchased by students was 30·1, 61·8 and 8·1 %, respectively. There was a significant positive relationship between the availability and purchasing of green (R2=0·66), amber (R2=0·57) and red menu items (R2=0·61). In each case, a 1 % increase in the availability of items in these categories was associated with a 1·21, 1·35 and 1·67 % increase in purchasing of items of high, moderate and low nutritional value, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings provide support for school-based policies to improve the relative availability of healthy foods for sale in these settings.

scholarly journals Objective assessment of compliance with a state-wide school food-service policy via menu audits

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (09) ◽  
pp. 1696-1703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gael Myers ◽  
Megan Sauzier ◽  
Amanda Ferguson ◽  
Simone Pettigrew
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Government School ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Western Australian

AbstractObjectiveThe Healthy Food and Drink Policy was implemented in Western Australian government schools in 2007. The aim of the present study was to assess the compliance of Western Australian school canteen menus with the policy a decade after its introduction.DesignThe traffic-light system that underpins the Healthy Food and Drink Policy categorises foods and drinks into three groups: ‘green’ healthy items, ‘amber’ items that should be selected carefully and ‘red’ items that lack nutritional value. Canteen menus were collected online and each menu item was coded as a green, amber or red choice.SettingWestern Australia.ParticipantsOnline canteen menus from 136 primary and secondary government schools.ResultsThe majority of audited school menus met policy requirements to include ≥60 % green items (84 %) and ≤40 % amber items (90 %), but only 52 % completely excluded red items. Overall, approximately half (48 %) of school canteen menus met all three traffic-light targets. On average, 70 % of the menu items were green, 28 % were amber and 2 % were red. Primary-school canteen menus were more likely than those from secondary schools to meet the requirements of the policy.ConclusionsWhile the sampled Western Australian government school canteen menus were highly compliant with most of the requirements of the Healthy Food and Drink Policy, many offered red foods and/or drinks. Providing all schools with further education about identifying red items and offering additional services to secondary schools may help improve compliance rates.

Change in Food and Beverage Availability and Marketing Following the Introduction of a Healthy Food Financing Initiative–Supported Supermarket

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea R. Singleton ◽  
Yu Li ◽  
Angela Odoms-Young ◽  
Shannon N. Zenk ◽  
Lisa M. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Intervention Community ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Matched Comparison

Purpose: The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) aims to expand access to healthy foods in low-resourced communities across the United States. This study examined changes in food and beverage availability and marketing in nearby small food stores after the opening of an HFFI-supported supermarket in a predominately low-income and African American community. Design: Natural experiment. Setting: Rockford, Illinois. Participants: A full audit was conducted of the small grocery and limited service stores located in a 1-mile radius around the new supermarket (N = 22) and a 1-square mile area within a nearby demographically matched comparison community (N = 18). Stores were audited in 2015 (1 month preopening) and 2016 (1 year afterward). Measures: Store characteristics, item availability, and interior and exterior promotions/advertisements were examined. Analysis: Difference-in-difference (DID) regression models assessed pre- and postintervention changes in availability and marketing between small food stores in the intervention and comparison communities. Results: The DID regression models indicated no difference between intervention and comparison communities with respect to changes in availability and marketing of all food items with the exception of frozen vegetables which had higher availability postintervention in the comparison community versus intervention (β for interaction term = .67; standard error: 0.33; P = .04). Conclusion: After the opening of the HFFI-supported supermarket, food and beverage availability and marketing in nearby small food stores did not change significantly. However, the wide range of staple foods offered by the supermarket contributed to the expansion of healthy food retail in the intervention community.

Macho Nachos

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke (Lei) Zhu ◽  
Victoria L. Brescoll ◽  
George E. Newman ◽  
Eric Luis Uhlmann
Keyword(s):  
Gender Stereotypes ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Psychological Reactance ◽  
Unhealthy Food ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Gender Schema ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Schema Congruity

Abstract. The present studies examine how culturally held stereotypes about gender (that women eat more healthfully than men) implicitly influence food preferences. In Study 1, priming masculinity led both male and female participants to prefer unhealthy foods, while priming femininity led both male and female participants to prefer healthy foods. Study 2 extended these effects to gendered food packaging. When the packaging and healthiness of the food were gender schema congruent (i.e., feminine packaging for a healthy food, masculine packaging for an unhealthy food) both male and female participants rated the product as more attractive, said that they would be more likely to purchase it, and even rated it as tasting better compared to when the product was stereotype incongruent. In Study 3, packaging that explicitly appealed to gender stereotypes (“The muffin for real men”) reversed the schema congruity effect, but only among participants who scored high in psychological reactance.

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