Policy interventions to support primary schools in promoting healthy nutrition

About us

Informed by complexity theory, the food environments of five case study primary schools within the Wellington region of New Zealand were mapped using interview, documentary and observational data. Intervention options to improve the school food environment were identified across case studies, with support for interventions gathered from school principals. Interviews with sixteen policymakers considered the national level context of interventions. Identified interventions were prioritised based on level of support from case study schools, policymakers, evidence of effectiveness from international literature, and theoretical likelihood of impacting on the complex system of childhood nutrition.

Aim

The aim of this research is to identify policy interventions to support primary schools in improving childhood nutrition.

Methods

Informed by complexity theory, the food environments of five case study primary schools within the Wellington region of New Zealand were mapped using interview, documentary and observational data. Intervention options to improve the school food environment were identified across case studies, with support for interventions gathered from school principals. Interviews with sixteen policymakers considered the national level context of interventions. Identified interventions were prioritised based on level of support from case study schools, policymakers, evidence of effectiveness from international literature, and theoretical likelihood of impacting on the complex system of childhood nutrition.

Results

The top priority was to encourage schools to develop food policies that would promote consumption of healthy foods and minimise unhealthy foods within school. Schools need to be supported with external expertise, nutrition focussed health promotion programmes such as Fruit in Schools, and policy settings that direct schools to consider nutrition issues. Second and third priorities focus on home and community environments and include restricting food marketing to children, increasing the affordability of healthy foods, and social marketing campaigns. Comprehensive actions across policy settings are required for effective healthy nutrition promotion within primary schools.

Funder

National Heart Foundation Research Grant

Acknowledgements

Thanks to all the members of the project advisory group, staff of Wellington Regional Public Health, and all participants who generously gave their time for this study.

Publications

Walton M, Signal L & Thomson G. Household Economic Resources as a Determinant of Childhood Nutrition: policy responses for New Zealand, Social Policy Journal of New Zealand 2009; 36:194-207.

Summary of findings (Nutrition in schools findings summary)

Walton M., Pearce J, & Day P. Examining the interaction between food outlets and outdoor food advertisements with primary school food environments. Health & Place 2009; 15:841-848.

Walton M and Signal L. Environmental influences on obesity and children's nutrition in Aotearoa New Zealand, Keeping up to date. Vol 27&28, Health Promotion Forum, Auckland, 2008.

Our people

• Louise Signal
• George Thomson
• Mat Walton; PhD thesis