Newcastle University

Project:

The process and impact of change in school food policy on food and nutrient intake both in and outside of school

From July 2007 to September 2011
Project Leader(s): Prof Ashley Adamson (PI), Prof Martin White (Co-Investigator), Ms Martine Stead (Co-Investigator)
Contact: a.j.adamson@ncl.ac.uk
Sponsors: Department of Health (Public Health Research Consortium)
Partners: University of Stirling
Homepage: http://phrc.lshtm.ac.uk/project_2005-2011_b507.html

Background:
Reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in young people is a prime objective of UK health strategy and has placed improving children’s diet high up the policy agenda.  In October 2005, the School Meal Review Panel made recommendations for minimum nutritional standards for school meals in England, including both food and nutrient based standards.  Implementation commenced in September 2006.  Assessment of the impact of change in policy on food and nutrient intake and on obesity in children is largely dependent on two existing datasets collected prior to Sept. 2006 for children in North East England. 

Aim/Objectives:
• To measure the effect of change in school food policy on both food and nutrient intake of children aged 4-6 years and 11-12 years at school and throughout the day.
• To measure height, weight and BMI of children up to age 12 years following implementation of school food policy.
• To study the process of implementation of the new school policy from 2007 until 2008 for primary and 2009 for middle schools.

Methods:
The effect of change in school food policy on food and nutrient intake will be measured using a repeated cross-sectional design.  Quantitative data are being collected using methods identical to those employed to collect baseline.  Qualitative research methods are being used to collect information regarding the process of implementation.

This work was being funded by the Department of Health through the Public Health Research Consortium.

Outcome: Report available from http://phrc.lshtm.ac.uk/project_2005-2011_b507.html