Parent/Caregiver Perceptions of the Good Food for Learning Universal School Lunch Program in Canada
Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
5 February 2025
Abstract
The Good Food for Learning universal school lunch program is a two-year population health intervention research study in two elementary schools in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to implement and evaluate a promising model for school food programs (SFPs) in Canada. A survey was administered to understand parent/caregivers’ perceptions of the free, universal school lunch program, participation, and willingness to pay for a future school lunch program (n = 113). A healthy and cost-free lunch were the top two benefits recognized by parents/caregivers. The survey estimated student participation in the program at 77%. For future program planning, universal and cost-free were favoured program aspects to continue. In addition, 68% of parents/caregivers demonstrated a willingness to pay $2.00 per child per lunch. Understanding parental/caregiver expectations and attitudes towards SFPs can inform the planning, decision-making, and sustainability for future models and a national school food policy in Canada.
Résumé
Le programme universel de dîners à l’école Good Food for Learning [De bons aliments pour bien apprendre] est une étude de recherche interventionnelle en santé populationnelle de deux ans menée dans deux écoles primaires de Saskatoon, en Saskatchewan, afin de mettre en œuvre et d’évaluer un modèle prometteur pour les programmes alimentaires scolaires (PAS) au Canada. Un sondage a été mené pour comprendre la perception qu’ont les parents/fournisseurs de soins (FS) du programme de dîners à l’école gratuit et universel, leur participation et leur volonté de payer pour un éventuel programme de dîners à l’école (n = 113). Des repas nutritifs et gratuits sont les deux principaux avantages reconnus par les parents/FS. Le sondage a estimé à 77 % le taux de participation des élèves au programme. Pour la planification des futurs programmes, l’universalité et la gratuité seront les aspects à privilégier. Par ailleurs, 68 % des parents/FS se sont déclarés prêts à payer 2 $ par enfant et par repas. Comprendre les attentes et attitudes des parents et FS à l’égard des PAS peut orienter la planification, la prise de décision et la viabilité des futurs modèles et d’une politique nationale en matière d’alimentation dans les écoles au Canada.
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Financial support: This project received financial funding from the Canadian Institute for Health Research and an Anonymous Donor.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
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Pages: 1 - 7
Editor: Naomi Cahill
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Version of record online: 5 February 2025
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© 2024.
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KayleeMichnikRD, PhD Candidate, PatriciaBasilanBSc, ChelseaCookeBSc, DominiqueLummerdingBSc, RiegannMcAuleyBSc, NataliaAlaniz-SalinasMSc, MPH, RachelEngler-StringerPhD, EsterKangRD, MSc, and RoseannNasserRD, MSc, FDC, CNSC. Parent/Caregiver Perceptions of the Good Food for Learning Universal School Lunch Program in Canada. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research.
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https://doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2024-029
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