Improving fast food environments around disadvantaged secondary schools: study rationale & methods
Michelle Estradé (SCPHRP)
10.15, Tuesday 9 July. Millennium Lounge, level 5
Background
Nutrient standards for school meals in Scotland are statutory and well-defined, and the sale of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar in schools is limited by legislation. However, retailers operating near schools also have the potential to influence the nutritional quality of food and drinks consumed by children, as more than half of Scottish secondary pupils purchase food outside of school at lunchtime1. A recent study in Glasgow identified a large number of outlets that catered specifically to pupils by offering them special lunch promotions, and many of the foods they purchased exceeded recommended levels of energy, fat, saturated fat, and salt2. The Survey of Diet Among Children in Scotland (2010) also highlighted numerous concerns related to diet quality and obesity, particularly among children living in more deprived areas1.
Design and methods
Independent businesses selling take-away foods near secondary schools with above-average free school meal entitlement in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow will be recruited for participation. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with 15-20 business owners and managers in order to identify challenges they might face in offering healthier menu options. The individual semi-structured interviews will cover topics such as views on healthy eating, food preparation methods, pricing, and menu offerings. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed, and undergo thematic analysis. Findings will be used to explore strategies for motivating and assisting food vendors in making healthy menu changes, as well as to inform future dialogue and collaboration between public health bodies and fast food vendors.
Nutrient standards for school meals in Scotland are statutory and well-defined, and the sale of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar in schools is limited by legislation. However, retailers operating near schools also have the potential to influence the nutritional quality of food and drinks consumed by children, as more than half of Scottish secondary pupils purchase food outside of school at lunchtime1. A recent study in Glasgow identified a large number of outlets that catered specifically to pupils by offering them special lunch promotions, and many of the foods they purchased exceeded recommended levels of energy, fat, saturated fat, and salt2. The Survey of Diet Among Children in Scotland (2010) also highlighted numerous concerns related to diet quality and obesity, particularly among children living in more deprived areas1.
Design and methods
Independent businesses selling take-away foods near secondary schools with above-average free school meal entitlement in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow will be recruited for participation. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with 15-20 business owners and managers in order to identify challenges they might face in offering healthier menu options. The individual semi-structured interviews will cover topics such as views on healthy eating, food preparation methods, pricing, and menu offerings. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed, and undergo thematic analysis. Findings will be used to explore strategies for motivating and assisting food vendors in making healthy menu changes, as well as to inform future dialogue and collaboration between public health bodies and fast food vendors.