Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To identify attributes that promote healthy eating in order to support a study for the Quality Index for School Meal Menus content validity. Methods: This study used the Delphi technique to consult school nutrition experts in Brazil. These experts were selected among the authors of articles published between 2010 and 2015 that were identified by searching the Web of Science database, using the keywords 'school feeding', 'school nutrition program', and 'school food program', as well as the authors of official documents on this topic. The Likert method was used to record respondent perceptions in two analytical dimensions: foods that are part of a healthy menu for school feeding, and composition of an indicator of nutritional quality for school feeding menus. Results: Most respondents (n=27) were affiliated with public institutions (92.59%) and had over six years of experience in the area (70.36%). Assertions resulted in consensus according to the analysis criteria. A consensus was established for fresh food, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, beans, meat and eggs, and a schedule compatible with the meal as promoters of healthy eating, and processed foods, sweets, and fat excess as risk attributes. Conclusion: Since a consensus was not reached in the first round, there is a need to broaden the debate on issues related to foods rich in sugar, replacement of meals by sweets, and foods rich in fat.
Highlights
The Brazilian population has a high proportion of overweight and obese individuals; this problem has been exacerbated by the eating habits of children
Since a consensus was not reached in the first round, there is a need to broaden the debate on issues related to foods rich in sugar, replacement of meals by sweets, and foods rich in fat
The instrument used in this study was constructed based on IQCAE4 components (Chart 1, organized into two analytical dimensions composed of 16 assertions (Chart 2) and an open question (“Please point out themes and/or issues that were not addressed and that you feel are important to building a consensus on ‘Healthy eating’ and ‘Quality’ index for school meal menus”12)
Summary
The Brazilian population has a high proportion of overweight and obese individuals; this problem has been exacerbated by the eating habits of children. The quality of school meals in Brazil has progressively improved following deployment of initiatives such as the transition of the food supply as a requirement to purchase food produced by family farms[4], which have impacted on school menus. In this context, the PNAE plays an important role in the promotion of healthy eating[5] through food and nutrition educational activities and meal provision. Menu planning should be in accordance with established legal parameters that provide the mandatory supply of fruit and vegetables, ban the purchase of sugary drinks with low nutritional value, and restrict the purchase of ultra-processed foods[3]
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