Two thirds of post primary schools without healthy eating policy

Just over one third of post primary schools have a healthy eating policy, it emerged today.

A new survey revealed that more than half of all schools have tuck shops or canteens, with 45% having drink vending machines and 28% having snack vending machines.

However, the Irish Heart Foundation study showed that nine out of ten schools would welcome a national code of practice on industry sponsorship and the provision and content of vending machines.

The research, carried out by the National University of Ireland, Galway, found that food sales is the most prevalent form of commercial activity in schools.

Over a third of schools surveyed also relied on commercial sponsorship for PE, sports and IT equipment, with only 7% having established a formal policy on commercial sponsorship.

Michael O’Shea, Irish Heart Foundation chief executive, said schools are an important influence on children’s education and lifestyle and raised concerns about poor nutrition and lack of opportunity and support for PE and sport.

“Marketing of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods to children can have an adverse impact on children’s health,” he said.

“Schools are just one setting through which action can be taken to limit these effects.

“A school environment that promotes healthy food choices and behaviours is fundamental for establishing healthy lifestyles.

“We are especially concerned for the burden of heart disease into the future, with the growing problems of obesity in children and young people.”

Around 300,000 Irish children are said to be overweight and obese, with the figure increasing by 10,000 each year.

Despite the National Taskforce on Obesity recommending that all schools develop polices to promote healthy lifestyles, only 36% have healthy eating policies

Schools reported having a variety of healthy foods available, with 78% providing juice, 74% sandwiches, 62% fruit and 55% milk.

But energy dense and nutrient poor foods are also widely available with 74% of schools selling confectionery; 57% salty snacks/crisps, 52% fizzy/high sugar drinks, 50% diet drinks and 33% biscuits, cakes and pastries.

Mr O’Shea said the organisation is still calling for recommendations by the taskforce, announced two years later, to be implemented.

“School food policies need to be established through which issues concerning food availability and industry sponsorship can be tackled,” he added.

Questionnaires were sent to 741 post-primary schools nationwide, with just 331 responding. The research included 52.9% of secondary schools, 33.6% of vocational schools, and 13.4% of community & comprehensive schools, with 173 located in towns, 79 in cities, 51 in villages and 25 in the countryside.

The survey was undertaken by Dr Colette Kelly and Dr Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, Health Promotion Research Centre, NUI Galway on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation.