Children’s Perceptions of the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
9 March 2023
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.
Résumé
Objectif : Cette étude visait à explorer les expériences vécues par des enfants dans le cadre du Programme d’alimentation saine pour les élèves (PASE) de l’Ontario, un programme de collations gratuit mis en œuvre dans les écoles élémentaires du sud-ouest de l’Ontario, au Canada, pour obtenir leur avis en vue de futurs programmes d’alimentation dans les écoles (PAE).
Méthodes : Des séances en groupes de discussion (n = 17) ont été menées auprès de 105 enfants de la 5e à la 8e année dans 7 écoles élémentaires. Les discussions ont été enregistrées sur bande audio, transcrites et codées par thèmes au moyen d’une analyse de contenu inductive.
Résultats : Dans l’ensemble, les enfants appréciaient le PASE et sentaient qu’il répondait à un besoin chez les élèves. Les enfants ont également dit vouloir essayer de nouveaux aliments. Pour les futurs PAE, les participants recommandent de demander l’avis des enfants afin de prendre en compte les préférences alimentaires. Les enfants ont également dit souhaiter qu’on leur offre des aliments plus attrayants et un plus grand choix. Enfin, les enfants ont également mentionné vouloir une distribution juste et équitable des aliments en classe.
Conclusions : Les enfants ont aimé le PASE et ont mentionné des avantages pour eux-mêmes et pour leurs pairs. Ils ont également formulé des recommandations utiles pour de futurs PAE. Si la mise en œuvre au Canada d’un PAE financé à l’échelle nationale est envisagée, les enfants ont exprimé le besoin qu’il soit équitable, tout en laissant aux écoles la flexibilité nécessaire pour répondre à leurs besoins et préférences uniques.
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Funding: This work was supported by Weston Foundation (SFI16-LOI-064).
Conflict of interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Published In
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 84 • Number 3 • September 2023
Pages: 171 - 175
Editor: Naomi Cahill
History
Version of record online: 9 March 2023
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© 2023.
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Mariam R.IsmailPhD, Jason A.GillilandPhD, June I.MatthewsPhD RD PHEc, JenniferBeverleyMSc RD, and Danielle S.BattramPhD, RD, PHEc. 2023. Children’s Perceptions of the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research.
84(3): 171-175. https://doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2022-042
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