Children’s Perceptions of the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Children’s Perceptions of the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

Published:2023-09-01 Issue:3 Volume:84 Page:171-175
ISSN:1486-3847
Container-title:Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
language:en
Short-container-title:Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research

Author:

Ismail Mariam R.¹,Gilliland Jason A.²,Matthews June I.³,Beverley Jennifer³,Battram Danielle S.⁴

Affiliation:

1. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada

2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Geography & Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada

3. School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada

4. School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada; Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Western University, London, ON, Canada

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore children’s lived experiences with the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP), a free, school-based snack program implemented in elementary schools in Southwestern, Ontario, Canada, to gain insights into future school food programs (SFP). Methods: Focus group discussions (n=17) were conducted with 105 children in Grades 5 to 8 in seven elementary schools. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes using inductive content analysis. Results: Overall, children appreciated the OSNP and felt that it filled a need in students. Children also reported a willingness to try novel food items. For future SFPs, participants recommended that input be sought from children to ensure food preferences were considered. Children also discussed wanting more appealing food offerings that may include some choice. Finally, children also mentioned wanting a fair and equitable distribution of food in classrooms. Conclusions: Children appreciated the OSNP and reported benefits to themselves and their peers. They also provided some valuable recommendations for future SFPs. If a nationally funded SFP is to be considered in Canada, children expressed the need to make the program equitable, while still allowing schools the flexibility to meet their unique needs and preferences.

Publisher

Dietitians of Canada

Subject

Nutrition and Dietetics,General Medicine,Medicine (miscellaneous)

Link

https://dcjournal.ca/doi/pdf/10.3148/cjdpr-2022-042

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