0000000000860170

AUTHOR

Kaia Elisabeth Paulsen Heslien

Possible effects of a free, healthy school meal on overall meal frequency among 10–12-year-olds in Norway: the School Meal Project

Abstract Objective To evaluate possible effects of intake of a free, healthy school meal on overall meal frequency among 10–12-year-olds in Norway. This was evaluated using a quasi-experimental school-based intervention study assessing children’s meal frequency retrospectively using a questionnaire in two elementary schools in the southern part of Norway in 2014/15. Multiple logistic regression analyses with breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper as dependent variables were used. Results A total of 164 children at baseline; 55 children in the intervention group and 109 children in the control group were included. The serving of a free school meal every day for 1 year did not improve the overall m…

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Effect of a free healthy school meal on fruit, vegetables and unhealthy snacks intake in Norwegian 10- to 12-year-old children

Abstract Background Norwegian children have a lower intake of fruit, vegetables, and a higher intake of unhealthy snacks compared to dietary guidelines. Such dietary inadequacies may be detrimental for their current and future health. Schools are favorable settings to establish healthy eating practices. Still, no school meal arrangement is provided in Norway, and most children typically bring packed lunches from home. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serving a free healthy school meal for one year resulted in a higher intake of fruit and vegetables and a lower intake of unhealthy snacks in total among 10–12-year-olds in Norway. Methods The School Meal Project in Southern Nor…

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