Analytical Assessment and Nutritional Adequacy of School Lunches in Sintra’s Public Primary Schools

Nutrients

Raquel J. Ferreira¹  Carlos Damas²  Mariana Liñan Pinto³  Joana Sousa³  Vitória Dias da Silva³  Telma Nogueira³ 

[1] Câmara Municipal de Sintra, 2714-501 Sintra, Portugal;Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal;Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;

关键词: school;    school lunch;    food analysis;    child nutrition;    food system;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu13061946

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

School meals present several cost benefits overtime at the short, medium, and long term for individuals and society. This cross-sectional study aims to analyse the nutritional composition and evaluate the adequacy of school lunches. One hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected and analysed from 10 primary schools in Sintra’s municipality, served during one week. On average, energy (27.7% daily energetic requirements) and carbohydrate (48.1%) contents did not reach the reference values, and the content of protein (19.5%) exceeded the reference value (p < 0.05). The mean total fat (28.8%) and saturated fatty acids (5.4%) content complied with the recommendations. The mean salt (1.7 g) and dietary fibre (8.3 g) content exceeded the reference value but did not differ significantly from the recommendations. Addressing school canteens is crucial, not only in a nutritional approach, but also as an opportunity to achieve healthier, sustainable, and accessible food systems, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We highlighted the importance of evaluating evidence-based practices and disseminated practice-based evidence regarding the adequacy of school lunches.

【 授权许可】

Unknown