Mixed methods evaluation of an employer-led, free lunch initiative in Northern Ireland.
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ABSTRACT: Background
The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of an employer-led free lunch initiative and its effect on health, diet, and attitudes towards health and diet amongst employees in a small workplace in Northern Ireland.Methods
This was a controlled, employer-led pilot intervention, which was evaluated through a mixed methods approach.Results
Seventeen participants from the intervention site and 14 participants from the control site completed all assessments. Post-intervention, there was no difference in change in dietary measures between the sites, except for saturated fat intake during weekdays (IS: - 1.3% of calories, SD: 4.3; CS: 2.8% of calories, SD: 6.6; P-value < 0.05). Qualitative information was summarised to highlight employees' expectations and experiences with the intervention.Conclusion
This study highlights the challenges that need to be considered when implementing a free lunch initiative for staff.
SUBMITTER: Schliemann D
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7050844 | biostudies-literature | 2019
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Mixed methods evaluation of an employer-led, free lunch initiative in Northern Ireland.
Schliemann Désirée D McKinley Michelle C MC Woodside Jayne V JV
BMC nutrition 20191218
<h4>Background</h4>The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of an employer-led free lunch initiative and its effect on health, diet, and attitudes towards health and diet amongst employees in a small workplace in Northern Ireland.<h4>Methods</h4>This was a controlled, employer-led pilot intervention, which was evaluated through a mixed methods approach.<h4>Results</h4>Seventeen participants from the intervention site and 14 participants from the control site completed all asses ...[more]
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