Year: 2007
Type: other
Abstract: This survey was conducted to identify the level and type of marketing of foodstuffs in \npost-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland. The response rate from the various \ntypes of post-primary schools in Ireland is representative of the proportion of such \nschools in the country. A summary of the main findings is provided below. \nThis survey demonstrates a variety of food outlets e.g. tuck shops (53.2%), canteens \n(53.2%) and drinks vending machines (44.7%) in operation in post primary schools in \nIreland, with a high proportion of schools also reporting a shop close to the grounds \n(64.4%). A variety of healthy foods are available through one or more of these outlets \nincluding juice (78.4%), sandwiches (73.9%) and fruit (62%). However, \nconfectionary (74.1%), salty snacks/crisps (57.2%), fizzy/high sugar drinks (51.8%), \ndiet drinks (50.2%) and biscuits, cakes and pastries (32.6%), which are of poor \nnutrient density, are also widely available. \nAlthough the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity recommends that all schools \nshould be encouraged to develop school polices to promote healthy lifestyles, just \nover a third of schools (36%) reported having a healthy eating policy in place. Of \ncourse, the existence of such policies does not guarantee successful implementation \nand indeed, some of the difficulties in putting the policies into practice were \nhighlighted by a few respondents. These included food preferences of children and the \navailability and accessibility of unhealthy foods in the local school vicinity. \nNonetheless healthy eating polices have been shown to positively impact on students’ \nfood choices and diets, and this survey illustrated that schools in Ireland are open to \nreceiving guidance and support on these matters.
Authors: Colette Kelly, Saoirse Nic Gabhainn
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Irish Heart Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W2127080724