scholarly journals School lunches v. packed lunches: a comparison of secondary schools in England following the introduction of compulsory school food standards

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1037-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Stevens ◽  
Jo Nicholas ◽  
Lesley Wood ◽  
Michael Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Standards ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Average School ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractObjectivesTo compare food choices and nutrient intakes of pupils taking a school lunch or a packed lunch in eighty secondary schools in England, following the introduction of the food-based and nutrient-based standards for school food.DesignCross-sectional data collected between October 2010 and April 2011. Pupils’ lunchtime food choices were recorded over five consecutive days.SettingSecondary schools, England.SubjectsA random selection of 5925 pupils having school lunches and 1805 pupils having a packed lunch in a nationally representative sample of eighty secondary schools in England.ResultsThe differences in the specific types of food and drink consumed by the two groups of pupils are typical of differences between a hot and cold meal. On average, school lunches as eaten contained significantly more energy, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, vitamin A, folate, Fe and Zn than packed lunches, and 8 % less Na.ConclusionsAlthough neither school lunches nor packed lunches provided the balance of nutrients required to meet the nutrient-based standards (based on about one-third of daily energy and nutrient requirements), school lunches generally had a healthier nutrient profile, with lower Na and percentage of energy from fat, and higher fibre and micronutrient content. These differences were greater than those reported prior to the introduction of compulsory standards for school lunches. In order to ensure more pupils have a healthy lunch, schools could introduce and enforce a packed lunch policy or make school meals the only option at lunchtime.

The impact of the food-based and nutrient-based standards on lunchtime food and drink provision and consumption in secondary schools in England

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1052-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Nicholas ◽  
Lesley Wood ◽  
Clare Harper ◽  
Michael Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Fruit Juice ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Energy And Nutrient Intake ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractObjectivesTo assess lunchtime provision of food and drink in English secondary schools and the choices and consumption of food and drink by pupils having school lunches, and to compare provision in 2011 with that in 2004.DesignCross-sectional data collected between October 2010 and April 2011. In each school, food and drink provision, including portion weights and number of portions of each item served at lunchtime, were recorded over five consecutive days. Caterers provided recipe information.SettingEngland.SubjectsA random selection of 5969 pupils having school lunches in a nationally representative sample of eighty secondary schools in England.ResultsCompared with 2004, significantly more schools in 2011 provided main dishes, vegetables and salads, water, fruit juice and other drinks on 4 or 5 d/week (P < 0·005). The number of schools offering items not permitted under the food-based standards for school food on 4 or 5 d/week fell significantly over time (P < 0·005), while the number not offering these items on any day increased significantly (P < 0·005). Meals eaten by pupils were well-balanced in relation to macronutrients.ConclusionsLunchtime food provision and consumption in secondary schools have improved considerably since 2004, following the introduction of new compulsory standards for school food in 2009. To maximise their energy and nutrient intake at lunchtime, pupils should be encouraged to select a full meal, and to take and eat more fruit and vegetables. Schools also need continued support to increase the micronutrient content of menus and recipes.

scholarly journals The impact of the food-based and nutrient-based standards on lunchtime food and drink provision and consumption in primary schools in England

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Haroun ◽  
Clare Harper ◽  
Lesley Wood ◽  
Michael Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess lunchtime provision of food and drink in English primary schools and to assess both choices and consumption of food and drink by pupils having school lunches. These findings were compared with similar data collected in 2005.DesignCross-sectional data collected between February and April 2009. In each school, food and drink provision, including portion weights and number of portions of each item served at lunchtime, were recorded over five consecutive days. Caterers provided school lunchtime menus and recipes.SettingEngland.SubjectsA random selection of 6696 pupils having school lunches in a nationally representative sample of 136 primary schools in England.ResultsCompared with 2005, schools in 2009 provided significantly more fruit, fruit-based desserts, vegetables and salad, water and fruit juice, and less ketchup, sauces and gravy, starchy foods cooked in fat, snacks and confectionery (P < 0·01). Pupils were also making healthier choices, choosing an average of 2·2 portions of fruit and vegetables from their ‘five a day’, but about one-third to two-fifths of these were wasted.ConclusionsLunchtime food provision and consumption in primary schools have improved substantially since 2005, following the introduction of new standards for school food in 2008. However, improvements still need to be made to increase the Fe and Zn content and to decrease the Na content of recipes, and in encouraging pupils to eat more of the fruits and vegetables taken at lunchtime.

scholarly journals Food and drink consumption at school lunchtime: the impact of lunch type and contribution to overall intake in British 9–10-year-old children

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1132-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flo Harrison ◽  
Amy Jennings ◽  
Andy Jones ◽  
Ailsa Welch ◽  
Esther van Sluijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the differences in dietary intakes of children consuming school meals and packed lunches, the contribution of lunchtime intake to overall dietary intake, and how lunchtime intake relates to current food-based recommendations for school meals.DesignCross-sectional analysis of overall intake of macronutrients and food choice from 4 d food diaries and school lunchtime intake from the two diary days completed while at school.SettingNorfolk, UK.SubjectsOne thousand six hundred and twenty-six children (aged 9–10 years) attending ninety Norfolk primary schools.ResultsAt school, lunchtime school meal eaters consumed more vegetables, sweet snacks, chips, starchy foods and milk, and less squash/cordial, fruit, bread, confectionery and savoury snacks than packed lunch eaters. These differences were also reflected in the overall diet. On average school meal eaters met the School Food Trust (SFT) food-based standards, while food choices among packed lunch eaters were less healthy. The contribution of food consumed at school lunchtime to overall diet varied by food and lunch type, ranging from 0·8 % (milk intake in packed lunches) to 74·4 % (savoury snack intake in packed lunches).ConclusionsThere were significant differences in the foods consumed by school meal and packed lunch eaters, with food choices among school meal eaters generally in line with SFT standards. The food choices made at school lunchtime make a significant contribution to overall diet.

scholarly journals Lunchtime food and nutrient intakes of secondary-school pupils; a comparison of school lunches and packed lunches following the introduction of mandatory food-based standards for school lunch

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1126-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Pearce ◽  
Lesley Wood ◽  
Michael Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
School Lunch ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
School Food ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Eleven State ◽  
Food And Drink

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the key differences between school lunches and packed lunches as eaten in eleven secondary schools in England, 21 months after the food-based standards for school lunch became mandatory, but before the introduction of nutrient-based standards.DesignData on 358 school lunches and 139 packed lunches were collected in May and June 2008 from pupils attending secondary schools in Sheffield, Manchester, Leicester City and Essex. Fieldwork was conducted over five consecutive school days at each school. Fieldworkers randomly selected five pupils taking a school lunch and five pupils bringing a packed lunch each day. All food and drink items chosen by pupils were weighed and recorded. Leftovers were also weighed.SettingEleven state-maintained, co-educational secondary schools from four local authorities in England.SubjectsFour hundred and ninety-seven pupils aged 11–16 years.ResultsPupils taking school lunches, on average, had significantly higher intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, NSP, vitamin C, folate, Fe and Zn than pupils bringing a packed lunch to school. Mean intakes of protein, fat and vitamin C from both types of lunch met the nutrient-based standards and school lunches also met standards for carbohydrate, NSP and energy.ConclusionsNutrient intakes from school lunches were more favourable than those from packed lunches, but typically failed to meet nutrient-based standards for school food. A combination of continued improvements to school food, educating pupils to make healthier choices and policies to encourage pupils to eat at school or bring healthier packed lunches is needed.

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

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2162-2168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Ensaff ◽  
Jean Russell ◽  
Margo E Barker
Keyword(s):  
Food Choice ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Day School ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Free School ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Food Standards ◽  
Sectional Analysis

AbstractObjectiveTo examine students’ school food choice in relation to school food standards and entitlement to free school meals (FSM).DesignCross-sectional analysis of students’ school food choices.SettingTwo large secondary schools in Yorkshire, England.SubjectsStudents (n 2660) aged 11–18 years.ResultsSandwiches and pizza were the most popular main food items: 40·4 % and 31·2 %, respectively, in School A; 48·3 % and 27·3 %, respectively, in School B. More nutritionally valuable ‘dishes of the day’ accounted for 8·7 % and 8·3 % of main foods for School A and School B, respectively. FSM students were more likely (P < 0·0 0 1) to choose main foods (School A: FSM 87·04 %, non-FSM 70·28 %; School B: FSM 75·43 %, non-FSM 56·13 %). Dishes of the day were chosen on a significantly greater (P < 0·0 0 1) percentage of days by FSM v. non-FSM students (School A: FSM 15·67 %, non-FSM 7·11 %; School B: FSM 19·42 %, non-FSM 5·17 %).ConclusionsDespite the availability of nutritionally valuable dishes of the day, the most popular food items were sandwiches, pizza and desserts. FSM students were more likely to choose the more nutritionally valuable dish of the day. School food standards should be reassessed in light of students’ preferences.

scholarly journals Nutrient-based standards for school lunches complement food-based standards and improve pupils' nutrient intake profile

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Haroun ◽  
Lesley Wood ◽  
Clare Harper ◽  
Michael Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
School Lunch ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
Nutritional Profile ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Average School

Following concerns about the nutritional content of school lunches and the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in the UK, changes to the standards of school meals were made. From September 2008, all primary schools in England were required, by law, to be fully compliant with the new food-based standards (FBS) and nutrient-based standards (NBS) for school lunches. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the introduction of the NBS for school lunches on the nutritional profile of food and drink items provided by schools and chosen by pupils at lunchtime. A nationally representative sample of 6696 pupils from 136 primary schools in England aged 3–12 years and having school lunches was recruited. Data were collected on lunchtime food and drink provision at each school and on pupil food and drink choices at lunchtime. Caterers also provided planned menus, recipes and other cooking information. Compliance with both the FBS and NBS was then assessed. Results show that even when the FBS was met, many schools did not provide a school lunch that met the NBS as well. The average school lunch eaten was significantly lower in fat, saturated fat and Na in schools that met both the FBS and NBS for school lunches compared with schools that met only the FBS. Change in school lunch policy has contributed to improvements in pupils' choices and the nutritional profile of foods selected at lunchtime.

scholarly journals Children’s lunchtime food choices following the introduction of food-based standards for school meals: observations from six primary schools in Sheffield

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Golley ◽  
Jo Pearce ◽  
Michael Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
School Lunch ◽  
School Meals ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
School Food ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Food Standards

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the lunchtime choices and nutritional intake of primary-school-aged children in England 4 months after the introduction of interim food-based standards for school lunches.DesignCross-sectional 2 d weighed food records collected in January and February 2007.SettingSix primary schools in Sheffield, England.SubjectsOne hundred and twenty-three pupils aged 8–10 years.ResultsVegetables (81 % v. 8 %) and cakes and biscuits (43 % v. 23 %) were chosen more frequently by pupils consuming a school lunch, while fruit (40 % v. 36 %), meat products (18 % v. 14 %), confectionery (72 % v. 0 %), savoury snacks (69 % v. 0 %) and drinks not meeting the school food standards (40 % v. 0 %) were chosen more often by pupils eating a packed lunch. Mean energy intake was lower in the school lunch group compared with the packed lunch group (1402 (sd 573) v. 2192 (sd 619), P = 0·005). Nutrient density (per MJ energy) was significantly better in school meals for key nutrients including protein (9·8 (sd 2·7) v. 6·3 (sd 1·9) g), fat (7·4 (sd 2·7) v. 10·6 (sd 2·8) g), NSP (2·8 (sd 1·3) v. 1·1 (sd 0·4) g), vitamin A (151·3 (sd 192·8) v. 69·1 (sd 55·6) μg), folate (29·6 (sd 11·6) v. 17·0 (sd 7·0) μg), iron (1·3 (sd 0·3) v. 0·9 (sd 0·3) mg) and zinc (1·1 (sd 0·4) v. 0·7 (sd 0·3) mg).ConclusionsSchools were largely compliant with the interim food-based standards for school meals 4 months after their introduction. Within the context of the new standards, children taking a school lunch are more likely to eat a more nutritious lunch, in terms of less high-fat/salt/sugar foods and nutrient density. The introduction of nutrient-based standards is warranted. Efforts to improve the lunchtime intake of children taking a packed lunch are also required.

scholarly journals Impact of school lunch type on nutritional quality of English children’s diets

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte EL Evans ◽  
Vera Mandl ◽  
Meaghan S Christian ◽  
Janet E Cade
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Food Diary ◽  
School Lunches ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Meal ◽  
Food Standards ◽  
Quality Diet

AbstractObjectiveNutrient and food standards exist for school lunches in English primary schools although packed lunches brought from home are not regulated. The aim of the present study was to determine nutritional and dietary differences by lunch type.DesignA cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2007 assessing diet using the Child and Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET), a validated 24 h estimated food diary. The data were analysed to determine nutritional and dietary intakes over the whole day by school meal type: school meals and packed lunches.SettingFifty-four primary schools across England.SubjectsChildren (n 2709) aged 6–8 years.ResultsChildren having a packed lunch consumed on average 11·0 g more total sugars (95 % CI 6·6, 15·3 g) and 101 mg more Na (95 % CI 29, 173 mg) over the whole day. Conversely, children having a school meal consumed, on average, 4·0 g more protein (95 % CI 2·3, 5·7 g), 0·9 g more fibre (NSP; 95 % CI 0·5, 1·3 g) and 0·4 mg more Zn (95 % CI 0·1, 0·6 mg). There was no difference in daily energy intake by lunch type. Children having a packed lunch were more likely to consume snacks and sweetened drinks; while children having a school meal were more likely to consume different types of vegetables and drink water over the whole day.ConclusionsCompared with children having a school meal, children taking a packed lunch to school consumed a lower-quality diet over the whole day, including higher levels of sugar and Na and fewer vegetables. These findings support the introduction of policies that increase school meal uptake.

scholarly journals The ‘Voice’ of Key Stakeholders in a School Food and Drink Intervention in Two Secondary Schools in NE England: Findings from a Feasibility Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2746 ◽  
Author(s):  
McSweeney ◽  
Bradley ◽  
Adamson ◽  
Spence
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
School Food ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Limited Effectiveness ◽  
Qualitative Component ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
The Voice

Background: Overweight/obesity affects one-third of UK 11–15-year olds. Individually focussed interventions alone have limited effectiveness. Food choice architecture approaches increase the visibility and convenience of foods to facilitate the choice of ‘healthier’ foods and reduce ‘unhealthy’ foods. This qualitative component of a School Food Architecture (SFA) study aimed to determine the perceptions of pupils and staff in relation to school food provision and their perceptions of the intervention. Methods: Pupil focus groups and staff one-to-one interviews. Topic guides were developed from literature and in consultation with a Young Person’s Advisory Group. Thematic analysis was applied. Results: Focus group (n = 4) themes included: dining hall practices, determinants of choice, and aspects of health. Interview themes (n = 8) included: catering practices, health awareness, education, and knowledge of intervention. Pupils liked to purchase hand-held, quick to purchase foods potentially limiting the access to fruits and vegetables. Pupils were aware of ‘healthier’ food choices but would choose other options if available. Conclusions: Schools provide a daily school meal for large numbers of pupils, with time and dining environment constraints. Pupils consume 35–40% of their daily energy intake at school, therefore interventions enabling healthier eating in school are essential, including making healthier choices readily available and accessible.

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.

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