Consumption Of Nutritious Foods Research Articles

Using novel multi-method evaluation approaches to understand complex food system interventions: Insights from a supply chain intervention intended to improve nutrition

BackgroundA ‘food systems’ approach to improve diet quality by intervening within areas such as food supply chains is gaining prominence. However, evidence of such interventions’ impact, and understanding of appropriate methods to evaluate them, is lacking. ObjectiveWe present an impact evaluation of an intervention that aimed to increase consumption of nutritious foods by supporting food-producing firms in Kenya. In doing so, we demonstrate how multiple methods, including those from other disciplines, can be used to evaluate a complex food systems intervention. MethodsFour methods focused on food-producing firms and their management, including a survey of intervention participants (n=83 individuals), a ‘lab-in-the-field’ experiment (n=83 individuals), baseline/endline data on firm performance (n=71 firms), and semi-structured interviews (n=19 firms). Three methods focused on consumers in neighborhoods targeted by a supported firm: a randomized field experiment tested effects of making a supported product exhaustively available on consumers’ purchases and consumption (n=1,295 consumers); three discrete choice experiments (n=1,295 consumers) tested factors influencing consumers’ willingness to pay for foods with relevant characteristics. ResultsAmong firms, we saw suggestive evidence of increased networking and business relationships, while lab-in-the-field experiments indicated the intervention might foster cooperation among participants. Qualitative interviews suggested that the intervention enabled firms to increase production, improve management, increase revenues, and lower costs. Baseline/endline data confirmed a positive effect only on the launch of new products and hiring workers. In the field experiment, consumption of the supported product increased in areas where it was made available relative to a control group, but this did not increase overall consumption of the food type or dietary diversity. ConclusionsResults showed positive signs of the intervention improving firm-level outcomes but limited impact on consumers’ diet quality. The evaluation also demonstrates how diverse methods can be used to evaluate complex interventions. SummaryWe present an evaluation of a supply-side intervention to increase consumption of nutritious foods in Kenya, discussing it as an example of one approach to evaluating complex food systems interventions.

PENGUATAN KAPASITAS TOKOH AGAMA DALAM UPAYA PENANGGULANGAN STUNTING WILAYAH KABUPATEN KUPANG ALOR

The problem of stunting has the potential to disrupt the quality of human resources and is related to health levels and even child mortality. In this case, religious leaders are parties who play a direct role, especially in preventing stunting through shaping family consumption patterns in religious service areas. Family mothers who cultivate and implement nutritious food consumption patterns can prevent family members, including children under five, from nutritional problems, including stunting. The activity was carried out in Alor Regency on 21-23 October 2023 with the aim of strengthening Christian, Catholic, Hindu and Islamic religious leaders in carrying out service duties to families, especially family mothers, in order to increase knowledge about consuming diverse, nutritious, balanced and safe food. and be able to take preventive action at the stage of preparing nutritious food for family consumption. Implementation uses the "Education and/or counseling" method. Where, all religious leaders are given teaching or material with the aim that they can determine the source of the problem and form services related to overcoming and preventing nutritional problems including stunting through choosing healthy, varied and safe types of food. The evaluation process was carried out before and after the activity to measure the abilities and changes in attitudes of 60 religious leaders regarding the counseling material. The pre-test results found that the majority (69.7%) of religious leaders already knew about stunting but did not understand consumption patterns including the type, quantity and correct method of food processing and the impact on the incidence of stunting. However, after confirmation from the results of the counseling, it was discovered that 100% of religious leaders could understand the correct consumption patterns. This starts from indicators of the ability to choose the type of food, compiling a simple but nutritious menu using a processing method that is friendly to the availability of sufficient and appropriate nutritional content as needed and can ensure that the amount of food consumed is according to the needs per day per age per gender of family members.

Real-world survey of eating attitudes and spending behaviors related to healthy foods/supplements in women seeking to become pregnant

Real-world survey of eating attitudes and spending behaviors related to healthy foods/supplements in women seeking to become pregnant

FUN AEROBIC DAN EDUKASI KESEHATAN MENGENAI AKTIVITAS FISIK DAN KONSUMSI MAKANAN BERGIZI DI SD LAZUARDI CORDOVA GCS, JAKARTA BARAT

One of the problems of school-age children is a change in lifestyle from traditional life style to sedentary life style which is the cause of lack of physical activity that can increase the risk of obesity. The practice of regular physical activity is very important to improve body health which can have an impact on student achievement. Communication, information, and education among students about the importance of practicing regular physical activity are needed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physical activity. The purpose of this activity is to provide health education about physical activity and consumption of nutritious food, practice aerobic gymnastics together, and health examinations and consultations. The targets of this activity are students, parents, teachers, and employees of SD Lazuardi Cordova GCS, West Jakarta. These activities were carried out in the form of health education through lectures and discussions, practice aerobic gymnastics together, health checks such as height, weight, blood pressure, nutritional status, blood sugar, and uric acid, as well as health consultations. Regular health education in schools is needed to improve health knowledge, attitudes, and practices in students.

Could the minimum wage policy reduce food insecurity among households of formal workers in Indonesia?

BackgroundPrevious studies have concluded that minimum wages increase workers' wages. However, whether this effect will continue to improve households' food insecurity is an interesting question, especially in Indonesia, where food insecurity is still a public policy challenge. This study explores the ongoing impact of minimum wages on household food insecurity in Indonesia, leveraging data from the National Socioeconomic Survey (2017–2019) and provincial-level variations in minimum wages. The study employs unconditional quantile regression to provide nuanced insights by analyzing three food insecurity indicators: per capita calorie intake, per capita consumption of vegetables and fruits, and food diversity. We also investigate potential mechanisms driving the link between the minimum wage and food insecurity.ResultsThe study revealed that the real minimum wage reduced food insecurity, especially at specific distribution points. Significantly, the effect on per capita calorie intake was observed in lower deciles. The impact on dietary diversity was observed up to the seventh decile. However, the minimum wage increase did not significantly improve the consumption of nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, except for the top deciles. The study confirmed that the minimum wage's impact on food insecurity operated through wage increases, particularly in the bottom-to-median wage distribution within the manufacturing sector.ConclusionsThe study concluded that the minimum wage policy ameliorated household food insecurity indicators in specific distribution segments. Our results support the effectiveness of government policies in increasing the minimum wage as a viable approach to mitigating food insecurity among formal worker households, especially within the manufacturing sector. However, additional policies targeting the lower end of the per capita calorie intake distribution are necessary, as the minimum wage was recognized to have no impact on this group.

Modelling policies to improve affordability and consumption of nutritious foods for complementary feeding in Kenya.

In Kenya 26% of children under age 5 experience stunted growth, 4% are wasted and 11% are underweight. In pregnant women, the prevalence of iron deficiency is 36% and iron-deficiency anaemia prevalence is 26%. Previous studies have identified affordability as a key barrier to the intake of nutrients, particularly from animal-source foods (ASFs). Thus, this study analyzes to what extent the affordability of ASF in Kenya can be improved. It focuses on four ASFs: eggs, milk, chicken and beef. Using a computable general equilibrium model, three policy simulations were undertaken to establish the impact of potential changes on nutritious ASF availability and affordability: a 20% increase in total factor productivity (TFP) for the four products; a 20% TFP increase plus a 25% reduction in trade and transportation margins; and a 20% TFP increase for ASF and maize (a key input in animal feed). Simulations suggest increasing the productivity of the four ASF products would increase their availability and lower consumer prices (up to 17% lower). Household consumption of the four commodities would increase, resulting in improved household dietary diversity. Rural households would gain more compared with urban households. Poor households (the lowest 40%) would register larger welfare (Equivalent Variation) gains than other households in both urban and rural areas. The richest 20% of the population would neither lose nor gain following the policy changes. Reducing transportation costs and trade margins and increasing maize productivity could further reduce the price of ASFs through lower production costs and increased consumption.

Obesogenic behaviour in school-age children: A cross-sectional study

Background: Obesogenic behaviour, characterized by a lack of physical activity, extended periods of watching television, and insufficient consumption of nutritious food, significantly contributes to the risk of obesity in children. The highlights the importance of addressing these behavioural risk factors to combat the growing trend of childhood obesity.Objective: To determine the characteristics of obesogenic behaviour in school-age children in Makassar City.Methods: This study used quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted from July to September 2021 in three elementary schools located in Makassar. The research used purposive sampling for participant selection, and data collection was carried out using questionnaires completed by the respondents. For data analysis, the study applied spearman correlation and chi-square tests. Results: In this study involving 209 students, predominantly male (50.7%), 11 years old (46.4%), living in urban areas (56%), and overweight (54.1%), the spearman correlation test revealed a strong correlation between BMI (p=0.005) and obesogenic behaviour. Additionally, the chi-square test indicated significant associations of gender (p=0.027) and living region (p=0.012) with obesogenic behaviour.Conclusion: The study found a significant relationship between gender, domicile, BMI, and nutritional status, and their impact on children’s obesogenic behaviour. These findings underline the importance of further research with a larger sample size of elementary school students to explore additional characteristics influencing obesogenic behaviours.

Livestock diversification mitigates the impact of farmer-herder conflicts on animal-source foods consumption in Nigeria

The escalation of farmer-herder conflicts poses a threat to agricultural production and livelihood outcomes in Nigeria. However, households with adaptive capacity may mitigate the negative impact of these conflicts on nutritious food consumption. In this study, we examine the impact of farmer-herder conflicts on animal-source foods (ASF) consumption and investigate the extent to which livestock diversification can serve as a mitigating factor. Using panel household data from Nigeria with a global georeferenced conflict dataset, we employ fixed-effects regression models to understand a causal relationship. Our findings reveal that exposure to farmer-herder conflicts reduces the quantity of ASF consumed and increases the number of days households exclude ASF from their diets. Additionally, we establish the role livestock diversification plays in mitigating the impacts of farmer-herder conflicts on ASF consumption. This evidence provides policymakers and practitioners with potential strategies for building nutrition resilience in locations that are exposed to farmer-herder conflicts. Promoting conflict-sensitive livestock production systems, such as cattle ranching, can be a strategy for sustaining nutrition and peacebuilding in Nigeria and countries in similar conflict situations.

Physical activity, intake of iron and folic acid with the risk of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a health problem that often occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women with preeclampsia are at risk for premature delivery, babies born with LBW, and increased maternal and infant mortality. This study aimed to measure the effect of physical activity and iron and folic acid intake on the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Tangerang Regency in July 2022. 130 pregnant women aged ≥ 20 weeks were obtained using multistage sampling. Data were collected using the SQ-FFQ (the Semi-quantitative Food Frequency) Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and Physical Activity using a validated PAL (physical activity level) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank and Multiple Linear Regression tests. Results: There was an association between iron and folic acid micronutrient intake and preeclampsia incidence in pregnant women (p<0,05). Furthermore, simultaneous physical activity and iron and folic acid intake increased the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women (p<0,05) by 10,7%. In conclusion, lack of physical activity and consumption of nutritious foods, especially those containing iron and folic acid, can increase the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Developing a Policy for Healthy Schools Food: A Plan of Action

Background and Objectives: Childhood obesity is a pressing global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Palestine. This study aims to address the prevalence of childhood obesity in Palestine and its association with the school food environment. The objective is to propose and advocate for the implementation of a "healthy schools' food policy" to promote the consumption of nutritious food while prohibiting the sale of unhealthy items. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the sociocultural, economic, political, ethical, and legal contexts surrounding childhood obesity in Palestine was conducted. This included a review of existing studies, stakeholder analyses, and an evaluation of policy alternatives. A legislative strategy was developed to guide the implementation of the proposed policy. Results: The study identified the widespread prevalence of childhood obesity in Palestine, with contributing factors rooted in sociocultural, economic, and political contexts. The analysis of policy alternatives revealed that establishing and enforcing a written protocol for "Food and Beverage Services" in schools emerged as the most effective option. This policy approach received the highest score in terms of effectiveness, access and fairness, cost-effectiveness, and administrative and political feasibility. Conclusion: The findings highlight the urgent need for policy interventions to address childhood obesity in Palestine. The proposed "healthy schools' food policy" offers a promising avenue to promote nutritious food consumption while curbing the availability of unhealthy options. Collaborative efforts involving stakeholders, including schools, the Ministry of Education, healthcare professionals, parents, and the community, are crucial for successful policy implementation. Regular evaluations and community feedback will be essential to monitor the policy's impact and make necessary adjustments. This study underscores the significance of prioritizing children's health within the broader context of societal well-being.

Edukasi Pola Makan Bergizi melalui Komunikasi Antar Pribadi pada Ibu Hamil di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Belimbing

The stunting rate in toddlers is still high in West Sumatra Province, including Padang City. These nutritional problems are inseparable from the mother's role in maintaining her health and nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy or childbirth. Nutritious food is recommended to meet the mother's needs and the fetus's growth and development. The activity aims to increase mothers' understanding of the consumption of nutritious food during pregnancy and their ability to apply it in their daily lives. The activity was carried out through nutrition education accompanied by individual counselling from house to house in the work area of the Public Medical Center in Belimbing, Padang City. Leaflets were distributed to pregnant women to help them understand the material presented. A total of 20 pregnant women were involved in this activity and were enthusiastic about it, as can be seen from the questions asked of the educators. The activity resulting in this education effectively increases the mother's knowledge. With personal communication, this problem can be overcome. Thus, mothers with malnutrition will better understand the nutritious food that must be consumed.

Does increasing the availability of a nutritious food produced by a small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise increase its consumption? Evidence from a field experiment in Kenya

AbstractMany development programs rely on the idea that increasing profitability of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) could increase availability of nutritious foods among low‐income consumers. We designed a randomized controlled trial in which we made a specific nutritious product produced by an SME exhaustively available in low‐income local markets. We find that compared to control markets, consumers in treated markets purchased and consumed more of this product and less of competing brands with added sugar and fat. However, overall consumption for the product category was not increased and there was no change in the consumption of other related but potentially less nutritious foods. Our findings suggest the need for alternative policies to increase consumption of nutritious foods.

Hubungan riwayat sarapan pagi, tingkat kecukupan gizi makro dan status gizi dengan prestasi belajar anak di SD Inpres Lili Kabupaten Kupang

Breakfast is a very important mealtime, representing 15-25% of the total daily energy intake or 15-30% of the total daily nutrient intake to achieve a healthy, active, and intelligent life. Nutritional status has a significant influence on the level of intelligence and understanding of lessons in the classroom; if a child's nutritional status is insufficient or even poor, it affects the incompleteness of subject understanding and weakens learning outcomes. The purpose of this research is to analyze the history of breakfast, adequacy of macronutrients, and nutritional status with the academic achievement of children at Inpres Lili Elementary School, Kupang Regency. This type of research is an analytical observational study using a cross-sectional approach. The research sample was determined using purposive sampling method, which consisted of 137 students from Inpres Lili Elementary School, Kupang Regency. Statistical tests used were Chi-Square test and multiple logistic regression. Bivariate analysis results show a significant relationship between breakfast (p=0.000), level of macronutrient adequacy (p=0.000), and nutritional status (p=0.000) with academic achievement. Multivariate analysis results show that the history of breakfast, adequacy of macronutrients, and nutritional status are significantly related to academic achievement. Therefore, schools should implement routine nutritional and health monitoring programs and provide counseling or training on balanced nutritious food consumption.

Where is the market? Assessing the role of dryer performance and marketability of solar-dried products in acceptance of solar dryers amongst smallholder farmers

Agricultural technological development is a crucial strategy for agricultural commercialization and socio-economic transformation in Africa. However, a key challenge to technology use in agriculture remains the limited farmer acceptance of unfamiliar technologies. This paper uses a sample of 245 okra farmers drawn from northern Uganda to assess the drivers of the farmer acceptance of solar drying technology. On the basis of drying performance, farmers perceive the solar dryer to perform better than the open sun-drying method. Structural equation modelling results show that the drying rate and perceived product quality are the main determinants of farmer perceptions on product marketability. Further, product marketability drives acceptance of solar dryers among farmers. We conclude that acceptance of solar dryers is dependent on: i) the drying rate, ii) favorable perceptions towards product quality, and iii) perceived marketability of the solar-dried product. We call for policy action on intensification of efforts that promote solar drying technology, including supporting local artisans to fabricate dryers, to enable increased value addition and consumption of nutritious foods.

Health Behaviors in Pregnant Women with Psychological Problems and Disorders: Scoping Review

Background: The negative impact of anxiety on the mother is changes in the behavior of pregnant women such as diet, lifestyle or physical activity, resulting in labor complications, anxiety problems in the puerperium period. While the impact on the baby such as stunted fetal growth, preterm birth, asphyxia, Low Birth Weight (LBW) and can even cause death in the baby. Objective: To review scientific evidence based on published articles related to the health behavior of pregnant women with psychological problems and disorders. Methods: This research method was a scoping review, using PEO framework. Literature search used PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and grey literature using Google Scholar and Research Rabbit. Articles were critically appraised by using JBI and MMAT critical appraisal tools. Results: There were 7 articles out of 7,796 that were relevant to the research objectives. The articles come from 4 developed countries and 3 developing countries. Three themes were found namely health behavior, the impact of anxiety, and stress reduction strategy. Conclusion: Based on the 7 articles obtained, the health behavior of pregnant women is in accordance with the objective are knowing compliance with ANC visits in pregnant women, knowing health behavior related to consumption of nutritious food in pregnant women, knowing the physical activity of pregnant women with psychological problems and disorders.

Marginalised social groups differentials in nutritional status (BMI) among reproductive-aged women in West Bengal

BackgroundSCs and STs, historically marginalized communities in India, have been subjected to social and economic discrimination for centuries. Despite affirmative action policies, these communities face systemic discrimination and exclusion in various aspects of their lives. Poor health conditions among SC and ST women are caused by insufficient consumption of nutritious food, leading to undernutrition and related health issues. To address gaps in the literature regarding the nutritional status of these women, this study aims to compare the BMI of SC and ST women in West Bengal and investigate the factors affecting their BMI. The study's findings can inform targeted interventions to improve the nutritional status of SC and ST women in West Bengal and reduce disparities in their health outcomes.Materials and methodsThis study analyzed data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) to examine the distribution of underweight and non-underweight SC and ST women in West Bengal. The sample included 5,961 non-pregnant reproductive-aged SC women and 1,496 non-pregnant reproductive-aged ST women. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine how background characteristics affect the nutritional status (BMI) of respondents, while a multivariate decomposition analysis was conducted to identify the covariates contributing to the nutritional status difference between SC and ST women. QGIS 2.18.25 software was utilized to map the spatial distribution of underweight and non-underweight SC and ST reproductive-aged women.ResultsThis study examines the nutritional status and differential background characteristics among SC and ST women in West Bengal, India. Results show that undernutrition affects the ST population more than the SC population, with age, marital status, religion, place of residence, educational status, and wealth quintile being significant factors affecting nutritional status. Food and dietary habits also impact nutritional status, with milk or curd, pulses or beans, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, and fish being associated with lower rates of underweight. Binary logistic regression analysis reveals significant associations between socio-demographic factors and underweight status among SC and ST women. Socio-demographic factors were found to be the major contributors to the gap between SC and ST women, followed by food and dietary factors. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve the nutritional status of marginalized communities like SC and ST women in West Bengal.ConclusionThe study highlights a significant population suffering from underweight in West Bengal, with socio-economic factors and dietary habits significantly contributing to the nutritional gap between SC and ST reproductive-aged women. Policy implications suggest targeted interventions to improve access to education and employment opportunities and promote a healthy and balanced diet to reduce the gap. Future studies could explore vulnerability risks of these domains.

Internalization of Personal Hygiene and health in Early Childhood in the School and Family Environment

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview and strategies that can be carried out by teachers and parents in fostering children to maintain cleanliness and health. This research uses a qualitative approach and literature study. The data sources for this research are teachers and parents at the Cemerlang Insan Early Childhood Education Institute in Magetan and literacy studies that come from relevant studies. The results of this study indicate personal hygiene and health activities carried out at PAUD Insan Cemerlang Magetan consist of three parts, namely (1) Self-cleaning, (2) Consumption of nutritious food, and (3) Optimization of children's motor functions. Aspects of self-cleaning are carried out with several activities such as washing hands and feet, bathing, keeping hair and mouth clean. In the aspect of consumption of nutritious food, a balanced nutritional diet is carried out which prioritizes meeting the nutritional needs of children. Furthermore, to optimize children's motor function through regular exercise. Internalization of personal hygiene and health is carried out collaboratively by teachers and parents through three ways, namely habituation, setting an example and supervision.

Jelly candy 'Nachberry' sensory test as an innovative snack to improve nutritional status in children

Stunting is caused by a lack of important nutrients that occur early in life. Consumption of nutritious food is one of the efforts to improve the nutritional status of stunted children. One of the sources of nutritious food that is widely grown in Indonesia is spinach and strawberries which are rich in micronutrients such as iron, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamins A, vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. These food ingredients can be processed into jelly candy snacks that are delicious and liked by children. The PKM team created a new food innovation in the form of a jelly candy called NACHBERRY "Spinach & Strawberry" which has a high nutritional content that has gone through a sensory test involving 20 panelists. Sensory test results of jelly candy made from spinach have a better score than jelly candy made from strawberry.

A Prepandemic Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Program Has Sustained Benefits for Food Security and Diet Diversity in Myanmar during a Severe Economic Crisis

BackgroundOne-third of preschool children in Myanmar were stunted in 2015–2016, and three-quarters of children 6–23 mo had inadequate diet diversity. In response, a large-scale nutrition-sensitive social protection program was implemented over 2016–2019. In 2020, however, Myanmar’s economy was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and harder still by a military takeover in 2021. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine whether former beneficiaries of this program experienced better food security, food consumption, and diet diversity outcomes in the wake of major economic shocks. MethodsIn a previous cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted over 2016–2019, pregnant women and their children aged <2 y were randomly assigned to either: 1) CASH; 2) CASH + social and behavioral change communication (SBCC); or 3) a control group. Subsamples of these former participants were then resurveyed 10 times from June 2020 to December 2021 during Myanmar’s protracted economic crisis. Randomized treatment exposure was used in a regression analysis to test for postprogram impacts on Food Insecurity Experience Scale indicators, household food consumption, and maternal and child diet diversity. We also examined the impacts on household income as a secondary outcome and potential impact pathway. ResultsBoth intervention arms reported lower food insecurity, more frequent consumption of nutritious foods, and more diverse maternal and child diets compared with households in the control group. However, the improved dietary outcomes were larger for mothers and children exposed to CASH+SBCC compared with CASH, as was their monthly household income. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that a program combining cash transfers with nutrition-related education can yield sustained benefits 1–2 y after the program was completed. This strengthens the evidence to support the expansion and scale-up of nutrition-sensitive social welfare programs to redress chronic malnutrition and enhance nutritional resilience in the face of a severe economic crisis.

Food waste in primary schools: Evidence from peri-urban Viet Nam

Schools are a major source of food waste and an important setting for achieving dietary improvements. Few studies explore the links between food waste and nutrition. This study measured individual plate waste of about 1700 primary school children in peri-urban Viet Nam, adding to evidence on school food waste in low- and middle-income countries. We used survey data to explore whether food waste is associated with personal characteristics such as sex, knowledge and attitudes about nutritious foods. Qualitative interviews and focus groups with teachers, parents, food providers and children helped identify potential causes of food waste. The average student wasted 23% of the food served (approximately 85 g) during lunch, which roughly equates to 15.3 kg of food in a school year. Vegetables were wasted most: children left almost half of their portion unconsumed. Boys wasted less food than girls. Better knowledge and attitudes about fruits and vegetables are associated with less waste of these foods. A large portion was associated with a higher share of wasted food, suggesting the potential trade-off between efforts to cut food waste and efforts to increase consumption of nutritious foods. Students were dissatisfied with the quality of the dishes, especially vegetables were evaluated as undercooked, served too cold and too oily. To reduce food waste, it is critical for schools to prepare food in line with students’ preferences. Food waste reduction could be treated as an intermediate step towards ultimate policy goals such as healthier food consumption.