The U.S. is the world's largest economy, accounting for about 20% of world Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With a high income and a mature welfare system, households in the U.S. should have enough food and healthy diets, especially for children. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 9.8% of households with children were considered food insecure in 2010. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is the second largest federally assisted food program and aims to provide nutritious, well-balanced lunches for school-age children. This thesis examined the association between NSLP participation and children's food security, using the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment study (SNDA-III). An 18-item household module was used to measure the food security status of children. An ordered probit model was estimated using a two-stage instrumental variable approach in order to address the endogeneity of program participation. We found that students with enough time to eat lunch were 12% more likely to participate in NSLP. Student participation in NSLP was also influenced by the receipt of free/reduced priced meals, being elementary or middle school age, residing in rural area, parents' having a lower education level and living in a single parent household with one employed parent or in two-parent household with both parents employed. The second stage of the model indicates that receipt of free/reduce price meals, household structure and employment, school level, race, and education have significant effects on food security status. Moreover, we found that children from marginally food-secure households have characteristics similar to those from food insecure households rather than highly food-secure households. After controlling for the endogeneity of program participation, we could not find evidence to support program participation having a significant effect on children's food security. To confirm our findings we used adult and child food security modules as alternative food security measures. A bivariate probit model was estimated as an alternative model, but there was still no significant association between NSLP and food security status. A possible reason that NSLP has no effect on food security was that participating children did not intake significantly more calories from school lunch.

Background: The HHFKA authorizes funding and establishes policy for USDA’s child nutrition programs including the NSLP and the SBP to align with the DGA. It is inconclusive whether these dietary requirements increase healthy food selection let alone increase consumption because data is difficult to track, and plate waste studies are time consuming and labor intensive. Several studies have shown an association between advertising methods and increased fruit selection. However, research examining the degrees of impact these advertising methods have on student selection and consumption is lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether different methods of advertising in school cafeterias have different effects on influencing children’s food choices. The researchers predicted branding would have the greatest effect on fresh fruit selection and consumption. Fresh fruit selection and consumption were observed in a sixth-grade student population during school lunch with majority of students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Methods: An average of 412 student selection observations and 200 student consumption observations were collected over six days testing three advertising methods with a control group for each treatment. The three treatment groups consisted of branding, digital advertising, and variety. Results: This study found that digital advertising and variety had a significant effect on students’ fruit selection during school lunch by 8.5% and 17.6%, respectively. Digital advertising and branding had a significant decrease on student consumption, but variety increased consumption by 0.9%. Conclusion: In conclusion, advertising methods can increase the selection of fresh fruit, but additional strategies such as nutrition education, garden-based learning, and taste tests should be implemented to increase fresh fruit consumption.

No description available.

This was an observational study of the food and nutrient contribution of lunches in the Food Pyramid Choices Menu system as offered to and eaten by 93 third graders participating from two schools in the Reynolds school district in Oregon. In response to current public health concerns in the U.S. and the emphasis on diets of moderation rather than simply nutritional adequacy, this study focused on the total and saturated fat content of the lunches offered to and eaten by third graders. In the Food Pyramid Choices Menu system, children are allowed to select their own lunches from a variety of entrees, milk, fruits, vegetables, and grain products. The meals as offered to the children were calculated as the mean amount of each food offered to each student in the school. Nutrient analysis for the average lunches as offered was done with Nutrikids (Lunchbyte Systems, Inc.) nutrient analysis software. One week of lunches were analyzed and averaged over the week. The meals as eaten were determined for each child by measuring the foods selected by each child, and subtracting the amount that was leftover by that child. The nutrient analysis for each child's lunches, as eaten, was averaged over the number of days that each child ate lunches while participating in the study. The nutrient content of lunches was analyzed using ESHA's Food Processor. Each student's data for each day was averaged over the week and then with data from all the students participating to arrive at the mean daily food and nutrient intakes. The lunches as offered and as eaten had total fat contents of 33% and 35% of total energy, respectively. The lunches as offered and as eaten both had saturated fat contents of 13% of total energy. It was evident that the third graders ate lunches that, on average, contained a higher proportion of energy from total fat than did the lunches as offered. The lunches as offered contained on average 40.5 mg of vitamin C and 434 RE of vitamin A. The lunches as eaten contained on average 22 mg of vitamin C and 288RE of vitamin A. Though the lunches as eaten were lower in these vitamins than the lunches as offered, the amounts of vitamin C and A eaten were still significantly greater than the National School Lunch Program standards for vitamins C and A in school lunches of 15mg and 224RE, respectively. The mean nutrients analyzed in the lunches as eaten were significantly less than the mean nutrients that were analyzed in the lunches as selected, including: energy, carbohydrates, protein, total fat, saturated fat, protein, total and saturated fat as a percentage of total energy, cholesterol, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, calcium, iron, sodium. / Graduation date: 1998

Master of Science / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Kevin L. Sauer / The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) seeks to provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to more than 31 million children daily. With the recent increase in childhood obesity, school nutrition programs must follow strict nutrient guidelines in meal preparation. As nutrient requirements have changed, participation in the NSLP has also decreased, especially among older students. To recover lost revenue, many schools offer al a carte items or other snack items often characterized as high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The NSLP provides meals with a balance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat and fat-free milk. Some research suggests that unintentional stereotypes or social stigmas exist about the NSLP program among participants. Al a carte and vending machine food options have influenced these stereotypes and in some cases have deterred students from participating in the NSLP. Research about stigma association with the NSLP is scarce and not current. This study investigated if social stigmas exist about the NSLP and their influence on student participation. Middle school students in Kansas comprised the population for this study. A survey instrument was drafted using themes identified from existing research. In addition to demographic variables, the survey contained statements that examined factors that motivate and de-motivate students from participating in the NSLP, and statements about social stigmas and peer influence. A panel of child nutrition program experts and a pilot study with middle school students were used to refine and validate the survey. The survey was distributed to middle school students in thirteen Family and Consumer Science classes in Kansas. A total of 559 students responded to the survey for a response rate of 48%. This study found that few of the motivator statements correlated with participation in the NSLP. However, preference for snack foods was identified as the largest deterrent in respondent participation. Few new social stigmas were identified, but significant variations were found when examining variations between some demographic variables. Respondents who were female, older in age and grade level, frequently ate school lunch, and attended large schools with a high number of students receiving lunch at a free and/or reduced price were more aware of social stigmas and more greatly impacted by the actions of their peers. In contrast, qualitative data showed that some respondents are greatly influenced by peers and the fear of stigmatization.

Com o intuito de atender às recomendações do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE), o poder público adota modelos de gestão que julga eficiente, porém as informações sobre a eficácia e eficiência, antes e após a implementação dos mesmos são escassas, o que dificulta os estudos de avaliação. O Estado de Goiás, a partir de 1995, migrou do modelo de gestão centralizado para o modelo de gestão descentralizado, no qual o Governo do Estado de Goiás transfere para as unidades escolares os recursos financeiros bem como a responsabilidade de execução do Programa de Alimentação Escolar. Visando avaliar o modelo de gestão em questão, 51 unidades de ensino estadual de 04 Subsecretarias de Educação Regional foram avaliadas. Foram calculados a composição nutricional (carboidratos, proteínas, lipídeos, fibras, vitaminas A e C, ferro, cálcio, magnésio e zinco), o Ndpcal e o valor calórico dos cardápios oferecidos. Os índices de adesão e aceitação foram verificados. As condições operacionais referentes a recursos humanos, equipamentos, utensílios, estrutura de distribuição das refeições, custos e a presença de cantinas também foram averiguadas. Como resultados, os valores médios da composição nutricional e do valor calórico das refeições mostraram-se abaixo dos preconizados pelo PNAE. A adesão média foi de 49%, considerando o número de alunos matriculados. Já sobre os presentes, o índice subiu para 56%. A presença de cantinas, o período (matutino e vespertino) e o tipo de cardápio influenciaram na adesão ao Programa. Dos cardápios planejados, 23% não foram cumpridos e a aceitação média foi de 87%. Em 80% das escolas as preparações foram servidas em sala de aulas. Em relação aos equipamentos e utensílios, 64% e 72%, respectivamente, encontravam-se em bom estado. O número de funcionários da cozinha não é padronizado e insuficiente para atender a demanda, bem como o de nutricionistas. Um dos objetivos da implantação do modelo escolarizado no estado de Goiás foi a melhoria na qualidade, porém, de acordo com todos os resultados obtidos, a realidade do Programa das unidades de ensino ainda não condiz com às referências estabelecidas pelo Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação. / Aiming to achieve the recommendations of the National School Lunch Program (PNAE), the government adopt management models that judge efficient, but the information on the effectiveness and efficiency before and after implementation of them are scarce, which difficults evaluations. The State of Goiás, in 1995, migrated from centralized to the schooled model, in which the state government of Goias transfers to the schools the financial resources and the responsibility for implementing the School Lunch Program . Aiming to evaluate the model in question, 51 schools from 04 Departments of Regional Education were studied. Nutritional composition (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc), the Ndpcal and calorific value of the meal were calculated. The acceptance and adhesion rates were verified. The operational requirements related to human resources, equipment, utensils, distribution structure, costs and the presence of commercial establishment were also investigated. As result, the average values of the nutritional composition and caloric value of the meals were below those recommended by FNDE Resolution. The rate of students participation in the School Lunch Program was 49%, considering the number of students enrolled. The rate increased when the present students was consideres. The presence of commercial stablishments, the period (morning and afternoon) and the type of menu influenced the adhesionn. Considering planned menus, 23% were not met and the average acceptance was 87%. In 80% of schools the melas were served in the classroom. In terms of equipment and utensils, 64% and 72%, respectively, were in good condition. The number of employees was not standardized and insufficient to meet demand, as well as nutritionists. The implantation of the model schooled in the state of Goiás had the purpose to improve the quality, however, considering the results, the reality of the Program does not consistent with the references provided by FNDE.

Com o intuito de atender às recomendações do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE), o poder público adota modelos de gestão que julga eficiente, porém as informações sobre a eficácia e eficiência, antes e após a implementação dos mesmos são escassas, o que dificulta os estudos de avaliação. O Estado de Goiás, a partir de 1995, migrou do modelo de gestão centralizado para o modelo de gestão descentralizado, no qual o Governo do Estado de Goiás transfere para as unidades escolares os recursos financeiros bem como a responsabilidade de execução do Programa de Alimentação Escolar. Visando avaliar o modelo de gestão em questão, 51 unidades de ensino estadual de 04 Subsecretarias de Educação Regional foram avaliadas. Foram calculados a composição nutricional (carboidratos, proteínas, lipídeos, fibras, vitaminas A e C, ferro, cálcio, magnésio e zinco), o Ndpcal e o valor calórico dos cardápios oferecidos. Os índices de adesão e aceitação foram verificados. As condições operacionais referentes a recursos humanos, equipamentos, utensílios, estrutura de distribuição das refeições, custos e a presença de cantinas também foram averiguadas. Como resultados, os valores médios da composição nutricional e do valor calórico das refeições mostraram-se abaixo dos preconizados pelo PNAE. A adesão média foi de 49%, considerando o número de alunos matriculados. Já sobre os presentes, o índice subiu para 56%. A presença de cantinas, o período (matutino e vespertino) e o tipo de cardápio influenciaram na adesão ao Programa. Dos cardápios planejados, 23% não foram cumpridos e a aceitação média foi de 87%. Em 80% das escolas as preparações foram servidas em sala de aulas. Em relação aos equipamentos e utensílios, 64% e 72%, respectivamente, encontravam-se em bom estado. O número de funcionários da cozinha não é padronizado e insuficiente para atender a demanda, bem como o de nutricionistas. Um dos objetivos da implantação do modelo escolarizado no estado de Goiás foi a melhoria na qualidade, porém, de acordo com todos os resultados obtidos, a realidade do Programa das unidades de ensino ainda não condiz com às referências estabelecidas pelo Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação. / Aiming to achieve the recommendations of the National School Lunch Program (PNAE), the government adopt management models that judge efficient, but the information on the effectiveness and efficiency before and after implementation of them are scarce, which difficults evaluations. The State of Goiás, in 1995, migrated from centralized to the schooled model, in which the state government of Goias transfers to the schools the financial resources and the responsibility for implementing the School Lunch Program . Aiming to evaluate the model in question, 51 schools from 04 Departments of Regional Education were studied. Nutritional composition (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc), the Ndpcal and calorific value of the meal were calculated. The acceptance and adhesion rates were verified. The operational requirements related to human resources, equipment, utensils, distribution structure, costs and the presence of commercial establishment were also investigated. As result, the average values of the nutritional composition and caloric value of the meals were below those recommended by FNDE Resolution. The rate of students participation in the School Lunch Program was 49%, considering the number of students enrolled. The rate increased when the present students was consideres. The presence of commercial stablishments, the period (morning and afternoon) and the type of menu influenced the adhesionn. Considering planned menus, 23% were not met and the average acceptance was 87%. In 80% of schools the melas were served in the classroom. In terms of equipment and utensils, 64% and 72%, respectively, were in good condition. The number of employees was not standardized and insufficient to meet demand, as well as nutritionists. The implantation of the model schooled in the state of Goiás had the purpose to improve the quality, however, considering the results, the reality of the Program does not consistent with the references provided by FNDE.

Thesis (M.S.)--Rutgers University, 2009. / "Graduate Program in Food Science." Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-104).

Background: The relationship between fruit and vegetable (FV) exposure, preference, and consumption among children has been a targeted topic of study due to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine FV home exposure in elementary children and the selection of both fruits and vegetables and less familiar lunch entrées at school. Design: Cross-sectional data on 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students (N=59) from an elementary school in central Texas. Methods: Home and school FV exposure was collected via self-report using a six-item questionnaire. Students were placed into high and low groups for 1) the variety of FV offered at home, and 2) the variety of FV eaten at home. Absolute and relative ratings of eight lunch entrées were collected through taste-tests conducted at school. Results: Differences in the consumption of FV at school and the selection of lunch entrées between high and low groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U independent non-parametric tests. Results indicated that the distribution of consumption at school differed across high and low groups for parental offering of FV for: oranges (z=2.16, p<0.05), cucumber (z=2.44, p<0.05), pineapple (z=3.41, p=0.001), mandarin oranges (z=2.93, p<0.01), tomato (z=3.14, p<0.01), and broccoli (z=3.26, p=0.001). The distribution of consumption at school across high and low groups for the eating FV at home was significant for 10 out of the 11 FV items: oranges (z=2.24, p<0.05), cucumber (z=2.64, p<0.01), pineapple (z=4.19, p<.001), mandarin oranges (z=3.06, p<0.01), tomatoes (z=3.47, p=0.001), bell pepper (z=2.25, p<0.05), broccoli (z=4.00, p<0.001), melon (z=3.06, p<0.01), apples (z=2.79, p<0.01), and zucchini (z=2.27, p<0.05) Likewise, significant differences between high and low groups for parental offering of FV were found for the selection of the chef salad (z=2.546, p<0.05), the Greek salad (z=2.091, p<0.05), and the veggie humus plate (z=2.104, p<0.05). Absolute and relative ratings of eight lunch entrées are also reported. Conclusions: Children who are more frequently exposed to FV at home consume a wider variety FV at school and are more likely to select healthy, less familiar entrées at school lunch. / text

The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare Indiana school menus, wellness policies, nutrient analyses, and demographics to the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations to explore associations between school characteristics and achievement of the IOM recommendations for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The results of this study provide information and baseline data for school corporations. Results indicated that only 57% of school menus met the saturated fat recommendation, less than half met the trans fat recommendations and no school met the sodium recommendation. Intakes of fats and sodium were not significantly correlated with the variety or amount of fruits and vegetables served (p>0.05). The results suggest that past efforts to improve nutrient content of meals served through the NSLP have been successful. However, lunch menus should be targeted for additional assessment and intervention. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences