Daily nutrient intake based on lunchtime meal type in a group of 11-14 year old Scottish schoolchildren

Abstract

Background: The introduction of Scottish Nutrient Standards for School Lunches is a key component in improving the diet of the nation's schoolchildren. Lunchtime meal options for Scottish schoolchildren include school meals, packed lunches and lunches purchased beyond the school gate.

Methods: To investigate the daily nutrient intake of secondary school children based on the three lunch types above and compare this with the nutrient standards. A cross-sectional analysis of 5-day estimated food diaries from 332 secondary school pupils aged 11-14 years was conducted.

Results: All lunch types had poor intakes of NSP, iron, and fruit and vegetables, both at lunchtime and over the whole day. Mean daily energy intake was 7.85 MJ (SD 2.48) for canteen lunches, 8.33 MJ (SD 2.18) for packed lunches and 9.1 MJ (SD 2.38) for street lunches. Mean daily saturated fat intake was for canteen lunches: 29.8 g (SD 13.4), packed lunches: 34.1 g (SD 14.3) and street lunches: 35.0 g (SD 13.6). On canteen lunch days children consumed the least fat, SFA and NMES, and the most folate and calcium. On packed lunch days children had the highest intakes of NSP, vitamin A, iron and fruit and vegetables.

Conclusions: Canteen lunch days showed the most favourable nutrient profile in terms of fat, SFA, NMES, folate and calcium. Packed lunch days showed the most favourable intakes of NSP, vitamin A, iron and fruit and vegetables. Findings suggest that children should be encouraged to have canteen lunches.