Health, wellbeing and nutritional impacts after 2 years of free school meals in New Zealand.

ABSTRACT: In 2020, a government-funded healthy school lunch program was introduced in a quarter of New Zealand schools, selected due to high levels of socio-economic barriers. This study assesses the impact of the introduction of the school lunch program from family (whānau), student and school principal perspectives. Across four schools, we conducted five focus groups (two with secondary students and three with family members) and four school principal interviews. Participating schools represented a range of contexts: primary and secondary, schools with cooks in on-site kitchens and schools receiving meals delivered by external caterers. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes describing the health, wellbeing and nutritional impact of the program. Family participants were 82% Indigenous Māori

SUBMITTER: McKelvie-Sebileau P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10434982 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature