Impact of school canteens on children's nutrition and food behavior: a systematic review.

Summary

This systematic review synthesises published evidence on how school canteens influence children's nutrition and eating behaviours across multiple countries. The review found that many school canteens face significant challenges in meeting sanitary standards and providing nutritionally balanced meals, with meals typically high in saturated fat, sugar and salt whilst low in essential micronutrients. The authors conclude that effective school canteen programmes should combine nutritional quality improvements with educational and sustainability messaging, recognising that dietary habits established in childhood often persist into adulthood.

Regional applicability

The systematic review examined evidence from several countries and does not specify United Kingdom focus, though findings are likely transferable to UK settings where school meals provision and nutritional standards are subject to statutory guidance. UK policy-makers and school administrators should note the international evidence on both nutritional deficiencies in canteen meals and the potential for canteens as platforms for sustained behavioural change.

Key measures

Sanitary standards compliance, nutrient composition (saturated fat, sugar, salt, micronutrient content), children's nutritional status, eating behaviour changes, and effectiveness of nutritional education interventions in school canteens

Outcomes reported

The systematic review assessed the nutritional and sanitary quality of school canteen meals across countries and their impact on children's nutritional status and eating behaviours. It examined evidence on how school canteens influence dietary habits and the potential for nutritional education.

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