Examining participation in school food and nutrition programs among students in grades 6‐8 in Vancouver, Canada (624.23)

Abstract

Objective: In Canada, both diet‐related health conditions and the environmental sustainability of the food system are growing concerns being addressed by school food and nutrition programs (SFNPs). The objective of this study was to quantify participation in SFNPs among grade 6‐8 students in Vancouver, and whether participation differed by gender, school‐level, or among schools.Methods: A cross‐sectional survey in 26 diverse Vancouver schools assessed student participation in SFNPs (n=937). Rao‐Scott corrected chi‐square tests were used to evaluate associations between participation, gender, and school variables (p < 0.05).Results: SFNP participation varied significantly between schools, yet < 50% of students reported engaging in most SFNPs examined, including: food preparation (36%), choosing or tasting healthy foods (27%), learning about Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) (45%), learning about foods grown in British Columbia (BC) (35%), growing food in a garden (21%), composting (32%), and recycling (51%). Girls were more likely to report learning about CFG or BC foods, and secondary students were more likely to participate in food‐specific activities compared to elementary students.Conclusions: Despite recent efforts to engage Vancouver students in SFNPs, participation in most SFNPs remains low in most schools. Consequently, few students in grades 6‐8 are being exposed to the whole food cycle.Grant Funding Source: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the UBC Food Nutrition and Health Vitamin Research Fund