Abstract
Evidence suggests that a free school meal can improve children and adolescent diet, social environment, concentration, and school performance. This study aimed to investigate possible effects of a free, healthy school meal among students that usually eat packed meals on behavioral issues, inactiveness, self-efficacy, school enjoyment and classroom environment. A school meal according to the dietary guidelines was served to students in the intervention group (n=55) for one year. A control group consumed packed meals as usual (n=109). Students (10-12 years) responded to a questionnaire at baseline and after one year. We used linear regression analyses and did not find significant effects of a free school meal on behavioral issues (B= 0.01, p 0.86), inactiveness (B= -0.05, p 0.51), self - efficacy (B= -0.04, p 0.52), school enjoyment (B= 0.11, p 0.19) or classroom environment (B= -0.07, p 0.26). Methodological limitations might explain our lack of findings.
Highlights
A healthy nutritious diet as an integrated element of a healthy lifestyle provides optimal conditions for brain development, cognition and learning (Naveed, Lakka, & Haapala, 2020)
Meals eaten at school during lunchtime constitute 23-29% of students total dietary intake (TDI), whereas if both breakfast and lunch are provided at school, this may contribute to nearly 50% of their TDI (Colombo, Patterson, Elinder, & Lindroos, 2020; Cullen & Chen, 2017; Prynne et al, 2013; Sanigorski, Bell, Kremer, & Swinburn, 2005)
There were more boys in the intervention group compared to the control group (p 0.07), and there were higher educated parents in the control group compared to the intervention group (p 0.23) (Table 2)
Summary
A healthy nutritious diet as an integrated element of a healthy lifestyle provides optimal conditions for brain development, cognition and learning (Naveed, Lakka, & Haapala, 2020). Healthy school meals are seen as important investments in children’s wellbeing and for the future, as it provides an opportunity for social interaction and helps prepare them for the rest of the school day (Sarlio‐Lähteenkorva & Manninen, 2010). A healthy meal environment can improve student alertness at school (Golley et al, 2010). Public schools constitute a setting where all children and adolescents regardless of social background and life circumstances, can be reached (Kairiene & Sprindziunas, 2016). Meals eaten at school during lunchtime constitute 23-29% of students total dietary intake (TDI), whereas if both breakfast and lunch are provided at school, this may contribute to nearly 50% of their TDI (Colombo, Patterson, Elinder, & Lindroos, 2020; Cullen & Chen, 2017; Prynne et al, 2013; Sanigorski, Bell, Kremer, & Swinburn, 2005)
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