Nutritional content of school meals in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire: a comparison of two schools

Abstract

In April 2004 Hull City Council introduced free healthy school meals for primary and special schools pupils (approximately 20,500 children) in an attempt to reduce health inequalities. The meals aimed to meet the Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) nutritional guidelines for primary schools. The study assesses the nutritional content of the meals, including children's actual intake. The Hull school is compared with a neighbouring school with no such initiative. 64 children aged 9-10 years participated from 2 primary schools. Fieldwork was undertaken over 5 days in each school. 320 meals were weighted and photographed before and after consumption to assess actual intake. Hull children consumed (p < 0.001) less total fat, sugar and sodium than neighbouring children. Both schools exceeded the CWT recommendations for these nutrients. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) differences were observed between nutrient intakes of energy, iron, zinc, folate and magnesium (p < 0.001) with Hull children consuming less than neighbouring children. Children's intake at both schools did not meet recommended guidelines for 11 of the 17 nutrients assessed. Although Hull's school meals aimed to provide children with adequate nutritional intake, findings demonstrate that, on average, children are served and consume inadequate levels of many nutrients.