Nutrition education and tuck-shops in secondary schools

Abstract

More than ever before there is a significant improvement in knowledge and great emphasis on the value of what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet especially as increasing number of people are acknowledging the link between diet and health. They are realising that a healthy diet is the basis for a vibrant life style whilst keeping a whole range of illness at bay. The Food and Nutrition Policy was formulated and specifically designed to promote good dietary habits, after a study on the nutritional status of the Maltese population indicated that results were far from optimal since the prevalence of diet-related diseases is rather high. Education is surmised as being a key element in bringing about desired changes in attitude. Therefore, the purpose of this research study is to trace the current nutrition education in secondary schools; to analyse the services tuck-shops are rendering to students, that is to the actualisation of the policy and as a venue for informal education. Five different methods of inquiry were utilised to accomplish the information required. These include documentary sources, interviews, questionnaires, pilot study and observational study. The review of literature brings together a collection of contributions by different authors. The study discusses implications and goes on to present suggestions for improvement or recommendations to be implemented, thus determining the actual implementation of the National Food and Nutrition Policy.