The School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study-I: Overview of Findings Related to Improving Diet Quality, Weight, and Disparities in US Children and Policy Implications.

The national school breakfast and lunch programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are a cornerstone of the nation's nutrition safety net for children from low-income families [...].

Wisconsin School Wellness Policies after Federal Legislation Change: Understanding Key Mechanisms of Policy Improvement.

BACKGROUND: The Final Rule of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, published in 2016, required school districts participating in the federal Child Nutrition Programs to update their local wellness policies to reflect the more stringent requirements effective June 30, 2017. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate whether Wisconsin school wellness policies (SWPs) were updated after the Final Rule, measure policy quality change, and describe mechanisms of successful policy change. DESIGN: From 2016 through 2018, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study examined change in SWP quality before and after the Final Rule was published. SWPs were collected in 2 waves reflecting policies written before and updated after the July 21, 2016 publication of the Final Rule. Semi-structured key-informant interviews were conducted with districts that demonstrated significant policy improvement. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Quantitative analysis examined 442 Wisconsin school districts' SWPs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 school districts that demonstrated significant change between waves. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: WellSAT 2.0 strength and comprehensiveness scores measured SWP quality among districts that updated their policies. Themes from interviews were identified using framework analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED: First, we calculated the proportion of Wisconsin school districts participating in federal Child Nutrition Programs for which SWPs were obtained at both waves of policy collection (n = 192 districts, 43.4%). Among districts that updated SWPs in wave II, repeated-measure analysis of variance tests described policy quality and policy quality change, respectively. RESULTS: Among the 192 districts that updated their SWPs, policy quality increased overall and for 5 of 6 domains. Nutrition education scores did not show significant change. Interviewees commonly cited wellness leadership, support and resources, and buy-in and culture change as key components of policy improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of Wisconsin school districts updated their policies in the 10 months after the Final Rule was published. SWP from these districts showed policy quality improvement in most areas. Interviews with successful districts indicate the common need for empowered leaders and supportive environments to facilitate culture change around student wellness.

The impact of COVID-19 on food systems, safety, and security-a symposium report.

Our food systems depend on complex interactions between farmers and food producers, local and federal governments, and consumers. Underlying these interactions are economic, environmental, and societal factors that can impact the types of food available, access to food, affordability, and food safety. The recent SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic has affected multiple aspects of our food systems, from federal governments' decisions to limit food exports, to the ability of government agencies to inspect food and facilities to the ability of consumers to dine at restaurants. It has also provided opportunities for societies to take a close look at the vulnerabilities in our food systems and reinvent them to be more robust and resilient. For the most part, how these changes ultimately affect the safety and accessibility of food around the world remains to be seen.

Disparities in the Healthfulness of School Food Environments and the Nutritional Quality of School Lunches.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), a public law in the United States passed in 2010, sought to improve the healthfulness of the school food environment by requiring updated nutrition standards for school meals and competitive foods. Studies conducted since the passage of the HHFKA indicate improvements in the food environment overall, but few studies have examined whether these improvements varied by the socioeconomic and racial/ethnic composition of students in schools. To better understand the extent of disparities in the school food environment after HHFKA, this paper examined differences in the healthfulness of school food environments and the nutritional quality of school lunches by the school poverty level and racial/ethnic composition of students using data from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study. Results from chi-square analyses showed lower proportions of high poverty, majority black, and majority Hispanic schools had access to competitive foods, while higher proportions of these schools had a school wellness policy in addition to a district wellness policy. The overall nutritional quality of school lunches, as measured by total Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 scores, did not vary significantly across school types, although some HEI component scores did. From these findings, we concluded that there were disparities in the school food environment based on the socioeconomic and racial/ethnic composition of students in schools, but no significant disparities in the overall nutritional quality of school lunches were found.

Association of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act With Dietary Quality Among Children in the US National School Lunch Program.

Importance: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, implemented nationwide in 2012, was intended to improve the nutritional quality of meals served in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Objective: To assess whether there was an association between the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and dietary quality of lunch for students participating in the NSLP, stratified by income. Design, Setting, Participants: Serial cross-sectional study design, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016, of students who were surveyed in the NHANES and were attending schools participating in the NSLP. Individuals who were aged 5 to 18 years, in kindergarten through 12th grade, enrolled in a school that served school lunch, and had a reliable weekday dietary recall were included. Exposures: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (prepolicy period: 2007-2010; postpolicy period: 2013-2016), with participation in the NSLP estimated based on an algorithm. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was dietary quality of intake for lunch, measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score (range, 0-100; 0 indicates a diet with no adherence to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and 100 indicates a diet with complete adherence to the guidelines). Results: Among 6389 students included in the surveys (mean age, 11.7 [95% CI, 11.6-11.9] years; 3145 [50%] female students; 1880 [56%] were non-Hispanic white), 32% were low-income, 12% were low-middle-income, and 56% were middle-high-income students. A total of 2472 (39%) were participants in the NSLP. Among low-income students, the adjusted mean prepolicy HEI-2010 score was 42.7 and the postpolicy score was 54.6 among NSLP participants and the adjusted mean prepolicy score was 34.8 and postpolicy score was 34.1 among NSLP nonparticipants (difference in differences, 12.6 [95% CI, 8.9-16.3]). Among low-middle-income students, the adjusted mean prepolicy HEI-2010 score was 40.4 and postpolicy score was 54.8 among NSLP participants and the adjusted mean prepolicy score was 34.2 and postpolicy score was 36.1 among NSLP nonparticipants (difference in differences, 12.4 [95% CI, 4.9-19.9]). Among middle-high-income students, the adjusted mean HEI-2010 prepolicy score was 42.7 and postpolicy score 55.5 for NSLP participants and the adjusted mean prepolicy score was 38.9 and prepolicy score was 43.6 for NSLP nonparticipants (difference in differences, 8.1 [95% CI, 4.2-12.0]). Conclusions and Relevance: In a serial cross-sectional study of students, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 was associated with better changes in dietary quality for lunch among presumed low-income, low-middle-income, and middle-high-income participants in the NSLP compared with nonparticipants.

[School meals and family farming: analysis of funds spent in food purchases]. / Alimentação escolar e agricultura familiar: análise de recursos empregados na compra de alimentos.

The study aimed to verify the adequacy of funds for food purchases from family farming in the scope of the National School Food Program (PNAE) in Brazil's state capitals and the Federal District. This was a descriptive study based on secondary data obtained from the webpage of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE) in the link dedicated to information on family farming. We analyzed the amounts transferred to the FNDE and the percentage used in purchasing foods from family farmers for school meals in the state capitals and Federal District from 2011 to 2017. Data were collected in May 2019. One-third of the 27 cities (33.3%) reported purchases above the minimum recommended level (30%). The North of Brazil complied with the recommended level (39.4%), while the Southeast reported the lowest level (6.4%). There was an increase from 2011 to 2017 in the total amounts invested and in the number of cities that purchased foods from family farming. Boa Vista (Roraima) was the capital that spent the largest share of its school meal funds on foods produced by family farmers (56.6%). In 2017, the local governments in Boa Vista and Aracaju (Sergipe) offered matching funds for the funds transferred from the FNDE for these food purchases. In conclusion, from 2011 to 2017, only one-third of the capital cities adequately used the percentage of funds for purchasing foods from family farming, although there was a gradual increase in the purchase of these foods, especially in the state capitals from North and Northeast Brazil.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a adequação da utilização de recursos financeiros para a compra de alimentos provenientes da agricultura familiar no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) nas capitais de estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal. Estudo descritivo, com análise de dados secundários obtidos na página eletrônica do Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento para a Educação (FNDE) no espaço dedicado às informações sobre agricultura familiar. Foram investigados os valores repassados pelo FNDE e percentual utilizado na compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar para aquisição de alimentação escolar em capitais dos estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal no período de 2011 a 2017. Os dados foram coletados em maio de 2019. Das 27 cidades avaliadas, cerca de um terço (33,3%) apresentou compra acima do mínimo recomendado (30%). A Região Norte cumpriu o recomendado (39,4%) enquanto a Sudeste apresentou a menor porcentagem de compra (6,4%). De 2011 a 2017, percebeu-se aumento nos valores totais investidos e no número de cidades compradoras de alimentos da agricultura familiar. Dentre as capitais avaliadas, Boa Vista (Roraima) foi a que mais utilizou recursos para a aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar (56,6%). Em 2017, as prefeituras de Boa Vista e Aracaju (Sergipe) ofereceram contrapartida financeira adicionada aos recursos fornecidos pelo FNDE para a compra desses alimentos. Concluiu-se que, no período de 2011 a 2017, apenas um terço das capitais avaliadas utilizou adequadamente a porcentagem de recursos financeiros para a compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar, embora tenha sido percebido aumento gradual na compra desses alimentos, especialmente nas capitais do Norte e Nordeste do Brasil.

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la adecuación de la utilización de recursos financieros para la compra de alimentos procedentes de la agricultura familiar, dentro del ámbito del Programa Nacional de Alimentación Escolar (PNAE), en capitales de estados brasileños y en el Distrito Federal. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con análisis de datos secundarios, obtenidos de la página electrónica del Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo para la Educación (FNDE), dentro de la sección dedicada a la información sobre agricultura familiar. Se investigaron los valores proporcionados por el FNDE y el porcentaje destinado a la compra de alimentos de agricultura familiar para la adquisición en escuelas de capitales de estados brasileños, así como en el Distrito Federal, durante el período de 2011 a 2017. Los datos se recogieron en mayo de 2019. De las 27 ciudades evaluadas, cerca de un tercio (33,3%) presentó una compra por encima del mínimo recomendado (30%). La Región Norte cumplió lo recomendado (39,4%), mientras que la Sudeste presentó el menor porcentaje de compra (6,4%). De 2011 a 2017, se percibió un aumento en los valores totales invertidos y en el número de ciudades compradoras de alimentos procedentes de agricultura familiar. Entre las capitales evaluadas, Boa Vista (Roraima) fue la que más utilizó recursos para la adquisición de alimentos de agricultura familiar (56,6%). En 2017, los ayuntamientos de Boa Vista y Aracaju (Sergipe) ofrecieron una partida financiera adicional, además de los recursos proporcionados por el FNDE, para la compra de estos alimentos. Se concluye que, durante el período de 2011 a 2017, solamente un tercio de las capitales evaluadas utilizó adecuadamente el porcentaje de recursos financieros para la compra de alimentos de la agricultura familiar, aunque se haya percibido un aumento gradual en la compra de estos alimentos, especialmente en las capitales del Norte y Nordeste de Brasil.

[Canteens of State Schools in Curitiba in the State of Paraná, Brazil: adaptation to the food supply regulation law]. / Cantinas de escolas estaduais de Curitiba/PR, Brasil: adequação à lei de regulamentação de oferta de alimentos.

The scope of this study was to determine the food on offer in state public school canteens of Curitiba, Paraná, and to investigate the association between the permitted/prohibited food supplied under the Canteen Law, with school and canteen variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted with interviews with canteen administrators in 27 state schools. The Mann Whitney test was used to investigate associations. There was a higher frequency of administration of the canteens under the self-management regime (n = 25, 92.6%); appropriate location in the school for serving meals (n = 20, 74.1%); length of time in administration of over 10 years (n = 13, 48.2%) and administrators who reported knowing the Canteen Law (n = 22, 81.5%). More than 2/3 of canteens sold prohibited food, such as sweetened beverages (n = 22, 81.5%) and candies, industrialized popcorn and salty snacks (n = 13, 48.2%). Only one school provided fried snacks (n = 1, 3.7%). The offer of technical education alone was associated with greater availability of food allowed by the legislation (p = 0.033). The school canteens evaluated can be described as places of commercialization of food not permitted by the Healthy Canteen Law. It is important to highlight the regulation and inspection of food sales in canteens for the promotion of health in schools.

Objetivou-se caracterizar a oferta de alimentos nas cantinas de escolas públicas estaduais de Curitiba, Paraná, e investigar associação da oferta de alimentos permitidos/não permitidos pela Lei das Cantinas, com variáveis da escola e da cantina. Foi realizado estudo transversal com entrevista aos administradores de cantinas em 27 escolas estaduais e foi utilizado o teste de Mann Whitney para investigar associações. Verificou-se maior frequência de administração das cantinas por autogestão (n = 25; 92,6%); local adequado na escola para realização das refeições (n = 20; 74,1%); tempo na administração do local superior a 10 anos (n = 13; 48,2%) e de administradores que referiram conhecer a Lei (n = 22; 81,5%). Mais de 2/3 das cantinas comercializava alimentos não permitidos, tais como bebidas açucaradas (n = 22; 81,5%) e doces, pipocas e salgadinhos industrializados (n = 13; 48,2%). Apenas uma (3,7%) ofertava salgados fritos. Somente a oferta de ensino técnico associou-se à maior disponibilidade de alimentos permitidos pela legislação (p = 0,033). As cantinas avaliadas podem ser caracterizadas como locais de oferta de alimentos não permitidos pela Lei da Cantina Saudável. Destaca-se a importância da regulação e da fiscalização da comercialização de alimentos nas cantinas para promoção de saúde nas escolas.

Cantinas de escolas estaduais de Curitiba/PR, Brasil: adequação à lei de regulamentação de oferta de alimentos / Canteens of State Schools in Curitiba in the State of Paraná, Brazil: adaptation to the food supply regulation law

Resumo Objetivou-se caracterizar a oferta de alimentos nas cantinas de escolas públicas estaduais de Curitiba, Paraná, e investigar associação da oferta de alimentos permitidos/não permitidos pela Lei das Cantinas, com variáveis da escola e da cantina. Foi realizado estudo transversal com entrevista aos administradores de cantinas em 27 escolas estaduais e foi utilizado o teste de Mann Whitney para investigar associações. Verificou-se maior frequência de administração das cantinas por autogestão (n = 25; 92,6%); local adequado na escola para realização das refeições (n = 20; 74,1%); tempo na administração do local superior a 10 anos (n = 13; 48,2%) e de administradores que referiram conhecer a Lei (n = 22; 81,5%). Mais de 2/3 das cantinas comercializava alimentos não permitidos, tais como bebidas açucaradas (n = 22; 81,5%) e doces, pipocas e salgadinhos industrializados (n = 13; 48,2%). Apenas uma (3,7%) ofertava salgados fritos. Somente a oferta de ensino técnico associou-se à maior disponibilidade de alimentos permitidos pela legislação (p = 0,033). As cantinas avaliadas podem ser caracterizadas como locais de oferta de alimentos não permitidos pela Lei da Cantina Saudável. Destaca-se a importância da regulação e da fiscalização da comercialização de alimentos nas cantinas para promoção de saúde nas escolas.

Abstract The scope of this study was to determine the food on offer in state public school canteens of Curitiba, Paraná, and to investigate the association between the permitted/prohibited food supplied under the Canteen Law, with school and canteen variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted with interviews with canteen administrators in 27 state schools. The Mann Whitney test was used to investigate associations. There was a higher frequency of administration of the canteens under the self-management regime (n = 25, 92.6%); appropriate location in the school for serving meals (n = 20, 74.1%); length of time in administration of over 10 years (n = 13, 48.2%) and administrators who reported knowing the Canteen Law (n = 22, 81.5%). More than 2/3 of canteens sold prohibited food, such as sweetened beverages (n = 22, 81.5%) and candies, industrialized popcorn and salty snacks (n = 13, 48.2%). Only one school provided fried snacks (n = 1, 3.7%). The offer of technical education alone was associated with greater availability of food allowed by the legislation (p = 0.033). The school canteens evaluated can be described as places of commercialization of food not permitted by the Healthy Canteen Law. It is important to highlight the regulation and inspection of food sales in canteens for the promotion of health in schools.

Avaliação de conformidades antes e após intervenção em estoque de UAN hospitalar utilizando instrumental adaptado / Conformity assessment before and after an intervention in UAN hospitalar using adapted instrumental

É importante o controle das etapas de produção de refeições para a garantia da qualidade, sendo fundamental o controle de estoque. Trabalho realizado em concessionária de alimentação coletiva, avaliou o grau de conformidade do estoque de UAN hospitalar, antes e após intervenções, utilizando instrumento de checagem elaborado para este fim. Utilizou-se a ferramenta 5w2h para diagnosticar a situação e propor um plano de ação. Foi adaptada uma lista de checagem baseada em legislações para identificar as não conformidades do estoque da UAN, composta por 35 itens subdivididos em 8 categorias, com as respostas do tipo “Sim”, “Não” ou “NA” (não se aplica). Com base no resultado foram propostas intervenções a baixo custo e em seguida utilizou-se novamente a lista de checagem adaptada para verificação do grau de conformidade e eficácia das intervenções. O grau de conformidade aumentou de 40% (14) para 62,8% (22), comprovando-se a importância deste tipo de monitoramento na produção de refeições.

Understanding System-Level Intervention Points to Support School Food and Nutrition Policy Implementation in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Supporting the implementation of school food and nutrition policies (SFNPs) is an international priority to encourage healthier eating among children and youth. Such policies can improve equitable access, resources, and supports for healthy eating. However, despite the potential impact of SFNPs, several implementation barriers have been reported. This study sought to examine the system-level intervention points within a school food system using a complex systems framework. We conducted semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders working to influence the school food system in Nova Scotia, Canada. We sought to understand their roles and experiences with the SFNP by applying the Intervention Level Framework (ILF), a novel, solutions-oriented approach to better understand how complex systems function. Participants (n = 33) included teachers, parents, cafeteria workers, public health staff and non-profit organizations. Interview transcripts were first coded, then themed and finally analyzed using the ILF, resulting in three intervention points within the school food system. These were defined as: (1) Actors and Elements, (2) System Regulation and Interconnections and (3) Purpose and Values. We concluded that understanding the interactions between these system levels and stakeholder roles can help to inform the development of relevant policy strategies that better support healthier school food environments in this jurisdiction.

Hungry for more: key stakeholders' support for more stringent school food policies.

OBJECTIVE: School food policies are an important component of comprehensive strategies to address child obesity and improve children's health. Evaluations have demonstrated that these policies can be initially well accepted and appropriately implemented, however little is known about how acceptance levels may change over time. The present study aimed to re-evaluate a school food policy 10 years after its introduction to assess key stakeholders' support for various policy extensions that would strengthen the scope of the policy. DESIGN: Online surveys administered 1 year after policy introduction (n 607, 2008) and 10 years after policy introduction (n 307, 2016). SETTING: Western Australia.ParticipantsSchool principals, teachers, canteen managers and presidents of parents & citizens associations from Western Australian Government primary schools. RESULTS: At both time points, and especially at time 2 (10 years post policy implementation), high levels of support were reported for the policy and possible policy extensions. Support was strongest for an additional requirement to integrate the canteen menu with the classroom health curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that once a policy has become embedded into school practices, stakeholders may be receptive to modifications that strengthen the policy to enhance its potential effects on children's diets.

Implementing healthy food policies in health services: A qualitative study.

AIM: In 2012, a large Australian metropolitan health service introduced a healthy food policy, where there was a requirement for food and drinks for sale within retail stores to conform to standards based on macronutrients and energy content. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the experience of those implementing a healthy food retail policy in order to inform the translation of such policies into other organisations. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used, with semistructured interviews exploring informants' involvement in, experiences of, factors affecting and perceived outcomes of policy implementation. Interviews were conducted with seven individuals participating in the introduction of the healthy food retail policy. Results were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Four themes and 21 sub-themes were identified, with analysis interpreted using the socio-ecological model. Participants identified that successful policy implementation hinged on the provision of resources and support by the health service to the retail staff. Trusting relationships between retail and health service staff were built through effective and frequent communication. The fear of tensions between the policy and business income had significantly lessened after implementation. A key factor contributing to this change was the use of low-risk trials to remove less healthy products or introduce new healthier foods. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a healthy food retail policy within a health service benefits from dedicated resourcing, investment in relationship building with key stakeholders and introducing changes gradually with a long-term approach.

The development and adoption of the first statewide comprehensive policy on food service guidelines (Washington State Executive Order 13-06) for improving the health and productivity of state employees and institutionalized populations.

National health authorities uniformly express an urgent need for large-scale policies that incorporate population-based strategies to improve diet-related population health outcomes. On October 30, 2013, Washington State passed the first statewide comprehensive policy on food service guidelines (i.e., Executive Order 13-06: "Improving the Health and Productivity of State Employees and Access to Healthy Foods in State Facilities") aimed at improving diet-related health outcomes and estimated to impact 73,000 individuals. The aim of this study was to examine the facilitators and constraints to the development and passage of Executive Order 13-06 to inform future food service guideline development and passage in other agencies, states, and municipalities. We conducted 17 semi-structured telephone interviews with key stakeholders involved in the development and/or passage of Executive Order 13-06. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using the Advocacy Coalition Framework. Interviewees were from local and state public health departments, Washington State government, public agencies, academia, advocacy coalitions, and national organizations. Two main coalitions (proponents and opponents) diverged in their support of the passage of Executive Order 13-06. Proponents supported it given its potential to increase access to healthy food and beverage options. Opponents felt that it was not feasible to meet food service guidelines without affecting sales and profit. Study findings highlight the importance of early engagement with stakeholders most impacted by proposed food service guidelines, using existing guidelines rather than developing new guidelines, and creating a workgroup to discuss the feasibility of food service guideline implementation and compliance.

Alimentação escolar e agricultura familiar: análise de recursos empregados na compra de alimentos / School meals and family farming: analysis of funds spent in food purchases / Alimentación escolar y agricultura familiar: análisis de recursos empleados en la compra de alimentos

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a adequação da utilização de recursos financeiros para a compra de alimentos provenientes da agricultura familiar no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) nas capitais de estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal. Estudo descritivo, com análise de dados secundários obtidos na página eletrônica do Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento para a Educação (FNDE) no espaço dedicado às informações sobre agricultura familiar. Foram investigados os valores repassados pelo FNDE e percentual utilizado na compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar para aquisição de alimentação escolar em capitais dos estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal no período de 2011 a 2017. Os dados foram coletados em maio de 2019. Das 27 cidades avaliadas, cerca de um terço (33,3%) apresentou compra acima do mínimo recomendado (30%). A Região Norte cumpriu o recomendado (39,4%) enquanto a Sudeste apresentou a menor porcentagem de compra (6,4%). De 2011 a 2017, percebeu-se aumento nos valores totais investidos e no número de cidades compradoras de alimentos da agricultura familiar. Dentre as capitais avaliadas, Boa Vista (Roraima) foi a que mais utilizou recursos para a aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar (56,6%). Em 2017, as prefeituras de Boa Vista e Aracaju (Sergipe) ofereceram contrapartida financeira adicionada aos recursos fornecidos pelo FNDE para a compra desses alimentos. Concluiu-se que, no período de 2011 a 2017, apenas um terço das capitais avaliadas utilizou adequadamente a porcentagem de recursos financeiros para a compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar, embora tenha sido percebido aumento gradual na compra desses alimentos, especialmente nas capitais do Norte e Nordeste do Brasil.

Abstract: The study aimed to verify the adequacy of funds for food purchases from family farming in the scope of the National School Food Program (PNAE) in Brazil's state capitals and the Federal District. This was a descriptive study based on secondary data obtained from the webpage of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE) in the link dedicated to information on family farming. We analyzed the amounts transferred to the FNDE and the percentage used in purchasing foods from family farmers for school meals in the state capitals and Federal District from 2011 to 2017. Data were collected in May 2019. One-third of the 27 cities (33.3%) reported purchases above the minimum recommended level (30%). The North of Brazil complied with the recommended level (39.4%), while the Southeast reported the lowest level (6.4%). There was an increase from 2011 to 2017 in the total amounts invested and in the number of cities that purchased foods from family farming. Boa Vista (Roraima) was the capital that spent the largest share of its school meal funds on foods produced by family farmers (56.6%). In 2017, the local governments in Boa Vista and Aracaju (Sergipe) offered matching funds for the funds transferred from the FNDE for these food purchases. In conclusion, from 2011 to 2017, only one-third of the capital cities adequately used the percentage of funds for purchasing foods from family farming, although there was a gradual increase in the purchase of these foods, especially in the state capitals from North and Northeast Brazil.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la adecuación de la utilización de recursos financieros para la compra de alimentos procedentes de la agricultura familiar, dentro del ámbito del Programa Nacional de Alimentación Escolar (PNAE), en capitales de estados brasileños y en el Distrito Federal. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con análisis de datos secundarios, obtenidos de la página electrónica del Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo para la Educación (FNDE), dentro de la sección dedicada a la información sobre agricultura familiar. Se investigaron los valores proporcionados por el FNDE y el porcentaje destinado a la compra de alimentos de agricultura familiar para la adquisición en escuelas de capitales de estados brasileños, así como en el Distrito Federal, durante el período de 2011 a 2017. Los datos se recogieron en mayo de 2019. De las 27 ciudades evaluadas, cerca de un tercio (33,3%) presentó una compra por encima del mínimo recomendado (30%). La Región Norte cumplió lo recomendado (39,4%), mientras que la Sudeste presentó el menor porcentaje de compra (6,4%). De 2011 a 2017, se percibió un aumento en los valores totales invertidos y en el número de ciudades compradoras de alimentos procedentes de agricultura familiar. Entre las capitales evaluadas, Boa Vista (Roraima) fue la que más utilizó recursos para la adquisición de alimentos de agricultura familiar (56,6%). En 2017, los ayuntamientos de Boa Vista y Aracaju (Sergipe) ofrecieron una partida financiera adicional, además de los recursos proporcionados por el FNDE, para la compra de estos alimentos. Se concluye que, durante el período de 2011 a 2017, solamente un tercio de las capitales evaluadas utilizó adecuadamente el porcentaje de recursos financieros para la compra de alimentos de la agricultura familiar, aunque se haya percibido un aumento gradual en la compra de estos alimentos, especialmente en las capitales del Norte y Nordeste de Brasil.

It Is Time to Make Policy for Healthier Food Environments in Australian Universities.

The obesogenic food environment is likely driving excessive weight gain in young adults. Our study aimed to investigate the nutritional quality of current food and drink offerings in an Australian university. This cross-sectional study included baseline environmental audits of 30 food outlets and 62 vending machines across campus. A recent food and drink benchmark for health facilities by state government was used to classify the food and beverage offerings. It recommended food outlets and vending machines to offer at least 75% 'Everyday' (healthy) and less than 25% 'Occasional' (less healthy) foods and drinks. Sugary drinks and options with large portion sizes and unhealthy ingredients should be removed from sale. Only two beverage vending machines and none of the food outlets met the full recommendations. The overall proportions of Everyday and Occasional foods in food outlets were 35% and 22%, respectively with 43% falling into the category that should not be sold. Sugary drinks occupied a third of beverage varieties in outlets and 38% of beverage slots in vending machines. The current university food environment was poorly compliant with the existing benchmark. Specific food policy in the university setting may be needed to make healthier choices more accessible to young adults.

[Purchase of products directly from family farms for the National School Feeding Program (PNAE): cross-sectional study with the universe of brazilian municipalities]. / Compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE): estudo transversal com o universo de municípios brasileiros.

The integration of family farming with school meals has the potential to improve the variety of school menus thereby bringing the production and consumption of food into closer alignment. This study researched the Brazilian municipalities with respect to the purchase of food from family farms for the National School Food Program. It involved a cross-sectional study conducted via an electronic questionnaire sent to 5,565 municipalities in the country. The research included 93.2% of the municipalities (n = 5,184), 78.5% of which acquired food from family farms, with the highest frequency (95.5%) of the municipalities making the purchase in the southern region, and the lowest (67.9%) in the Central West region. The large-scale municipalities, with mixed, decentralized or outsourced school food management, and without a nutritionist as technical manager, purchased food less frequently from family farms. The conclusion reached is that, despite the widespread acquisition of food from family farms in the program throughout the country, 50% of municipalities did not invest the minimum required by law, requiring actions aimed at compliance with legislation and greater investment, especially in states and regions which revealed the greatest difficulties.

A integração entre a agricultura familiar e a alimentação escolar têm o potencial de melhorar a variedade dos cardápios escolares aproximando produção e consumo de alimentos. Este estudo caracterizou os municípios brasileiros quanto à compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado por meio de questionário eletrônico enviado aos 5.565 municípios do país. Participaram da pesquisa 93,2% dos municípios (n = 5.184). Destes, 78,5% adquiriram alimentos da agricultura familiar, destacando-se a região Sul, com a maior frequência de municípios realizando a compra (95,5%), e a região Centro-Oeste com a menor (67,9%). Os municípios de grande porte, com gestão da alimentação escolar do tipo mista, descentralizada ou terceirizada e sem nutricionista como responsável técnico, apresentaram menor frequência de compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar. Conclui-se que, apesar da ampla efetivação da aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo programa em todo país, 50% dos municípios não investiram o mínimo exigido em lei, demandando ações educativas e de assistência técnica direcionadas para o cumprimento da legislação, em especial nos estados e regiões que apresentaram maiores dificuldades.

Compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE): estudo transversal com o universo de municípios brasileiros / Purchase of products directly from family farms for the National School Feeding Program (PNAE): cross-sectional study with the universe of brazilian municipalities

Resumo A integração entre a agricultura familiar e a alimentação escolar têm o potencial de melhorar a variedade dos cardápios escolares aproximando produção e consumo de alimentos. Este estudo caracterizou os municípios brasileiros quanto à compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado por meio de questionário eletrônico enviado aos 5.565 municípios do país. Participaram da pesquisa 93,2% dos municípios (n = 5.184). Destes, 78,5% adquiriram alimentos da agricultura familiar, destacando-se a região Sul, com a maior frequência de municípios realizando a compra (95,5%), e a região Centro-Oeste com a menor (67,9%). Os municípios de grande porte, com gestão da alimentação escolar do tipo mista, descentralizada ou terceirizada e sem nutricionista como responsável técnico, apresentaram menor frequência de compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar. Conclui-se que, apesar da ampla efetivação da aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar pelo programa em todo país, 50% dos municípios não investiram o mínimo exigido em lei, demandando ações educativas e de assistência técnica direcionadas para o cumprimento da legislação, em especial nos estados e regiões que apresentaram maiores dificuldades.

Abstract The integration of family farming with school meals has the potential to improve the variety of school menus thereby bringing the production and consumption of food into closer alignment. This study researched the Brazilian municipalities with respect to the purchase of food from family farms for the National School Food Program. It involved a cross-sectional study conducted via an electronic questionnaire sent to 5,565 municipalities in the country. The research included 93.2% of the municipalities (n = 5,184), 78.5% of which acquired food from family farms, with the highest frequency (95.5%) of the municipalities making the purchase in the southern region, and the lowest (67.9%) in the Central West region. The large-scale municipalities, with mixed, decentralized or outsourced school food management, and without a nutritionist as technical manager, purchased food less frequently from family farms. The conclusion reached is that, despite the widespread acquisition of food from family farms in the program throughout the country, 50% of municipalities did not invest the minimum required by law, requiring actions aimed at compliance with legislation and greater investment, especially in states and regions which revealed the greatest difficulties.

An evaluation and exploration of Irish food-service businesses' uptake of and attitudes towards a voluntary government-led menu energy (calorie) labelling initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the uptake of and attitudes towards a voluntary government-led energy (calorie) menu labelling initiative in Ireland among a representative sample of food-service businesses and to inform further actions that may need to be undertaken to facilitate successful implementation. DESIGN: A mixed-methods approach, incorporating a national telephone survey, structured observation visits and semi-structured interviews. SETTING: Twenty-six counties in the Republic of Ireland. SUBJECTS: A random selection of food-service businesses (n 604) participated in the telephone survey. Businesses which indicated that they did display calories were selected to participate in structured observation visits (n 42), along with a random sample (n 38) of businesses that did not display calories. A purposive sample of thirteen food-service business owners who participated in the telephone survey participated in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: In the telephone survey, 7 % (n 42) of food businesses reported displaying calories and the observation visits revealed that of these businesses, 10 % (n 4) were not displaying calorie information. Three major themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews: uncertainty, impact on business and consumer nutrition knowledge. Participants expressed concerns regarding inaccuracies in the calorie information, cost and time implications, mistrust in the food-service industry and poor nutritional knowledge among consumers. These concerns impeded the implementing of calorie menu labelling. CONCLUSIONS: A multifactorial approach that incorporates guidance and support (training/tax incentives), practical assistance (user-friendly calorie calculation software), a reasonable legislative structure and a standardised monitoring system is needed to facilitate the successful implementation of calorie menu labelling.

Effectiveness of school food environment policies on children's dietary behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: School food environment policies may be a critical tool to promote healthy diets in children, yet their effectiveness remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and quantify the impact of school food environment policies on dietary habits, adiposity, and metabolic risk in children. METHODS: We systematically searched online databases for randomized or quasi-experimental interventions assessing effects of school food environment policies on children's dietary habits, adiposity, or metabolic risk factors. Data were extracted independently and in duplicate, and pooled using inverse-variance random-effects meta-analysis. Habitual (within+outside school) dietary intakes were the primary outcome. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Funnel plots, Begg's and Egger's test evaluated potential publication bias. RESULTS: From 6,636 abstracts, 91 interventions (55 in US/Canada, 36 in Europe/New Zealand) were included, on direct provision of healthful foods/beverages (N = 39 studies), competitive food/beverage standards (N = 29), and school meal standards (N = 39) (some interventions assessed multiple policies). Direct provision policies, which largely targeted fruits and vegetables, increased consumption of fruits by 0.27 servings/d (n = 15 estimates (95%CI: 0.17, 0.36)) and combined fruits and vegetables by 0.28 servings/d (n = 16 (0.17, 0.40)); with a slight impact on vegetables (n = 11; 0.04 (0.01, 0.08)), and no effects on total calories (n = 6; -56 kcal/d (-174, 62)). In interventions targeting water, habitual intake was unchanged (n = 3; 0.33 glasses/d (-0.27, 0.93)). Competitive food/beverage standards reduced sugar-sweetened beverage intake by 0.18 servings/d (n = 3 (-0.31, -0.05)); and unhealthy snacks by 0.17 servings/d (n = 2 (-0.22, -0.13)), without effects on total calories (n = 5; -79 kcal/d (-179, 21)). School meal standards (mainly lunch) increased fruit intake (n = 2; 0.76 servings/d (0.37, 1.16)) and reduced total fat (-1.49%energy; n = 6 (-2.42, -0.57)), saturated fat (n = 4; -0.93%energy (-1.15, -0.70)) and sodium (n = 4; -170 mg/d (-242, -98)); but not total calories (n = 8; -38 kcal/d (-137, 62)). In 17 studies evaluating adiposity, significant decreases were generally not identified; few studies assessed metabolic factors (blood lipids/glucose/pressure), with mixed findings. Significant sources of heterogeneity or publication bias were not identified. CONCLUSIONS: Specific school food environment policies can improve targeted dietary behaviors; effects on adiposity and metabolic risk require further investigation. These findings inform ongoing policy discussions and debates on best practices to improve childhood dietary habits and health.