Improving the school food environment and dietary intake of Dutch primary school students through the provision of a healthy school lunch: results of a pre-posttest effectiveness study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study aimed to improve the school food environment and dietary intake of Dutch primary school students by providing a healthy school lunch. We investigated (1) how the school lunch affected dietary intake and students' preferences for the lunches and (2) whether compensation effects at home occurred.

Methods

The study was conducted in Dutch primary schools among children in grades 5-8 (aged 8-12 years) and their parents. The intervention consisted of a free healthy school lunch for 6 months at three schools. To answer question 1, a quasi-experimental pre-post study was used. Lunch intake was assessed via photos at baseline, 3 and 6 months into the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention (12-month follow-up). Preferences were measured using a self-re

SUBMITTER: Dijkstra SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12553221 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature