Is a plate model being followed by the pupils? Nine hypotheses

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test nine hypotheses whether pupils follow a plate model when they choose their school meals at Finnish comprehensive schools.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces nine theoretical cviews to school meals and a plate model. The empirical data were collected in 2007 from four comprehensive schools in Finland. The nine hypotheses utilizing data from 168 pupils’ self‐reported school meal choices are tested by using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.FindingsIn total, six hypotheses are accepted and three are rejected. The findings indicate that the pupils partially follow the plate model when they choose their school meals.Practical implicationsThis paper has the following implication. We have to further increase the pupils’ knowledge on school meals and its role to maintain good health and prevent health problems, as well as nutrition information related to food choices.Originality/valueIn the previous research school meals have been studied from multiple theoretical views. This paper suggests that a broader theoretical focus on the pupils will further increase understanding of their food choices.