Nutritional assessment of the school menus offered in Spain's Mediterranean area.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to perform a nutritional assessment of the menus served in school canteens and to verify their effects on the nutrition of schoolchildren. Methods We selected three collective catering companies that offered ~53 500 menus/d in 369 schools in Spain's Mediterranean area (Valencian Community). The study included four public schools with different management models as well as different supply patterns. Considering the weight of the servings, the caloric contribution of the menus was estimated. Results Great diversity was seen both in the same school throughout the week and between the four schools (School 1: 298–946 kcal; School 2: 465–1185 kcal; Sc…