Associação entre o consumo da alimentação escolar e a qualidade da dieta de escolares da cidade de São Leopoldo

Abstract

The quality of the diet of children and adolescents has been shown below the recommended both in developed and developing countries, requiring new health approaches also focused on the quality of food. In this contexto, the role of school meal is inserted as part of the feeding routine of the children. Objective: To investigate the association between the consumption of school meal and nutrient intake and diet quality in schoolchildren in São Leopoldo. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data based on the children between 7-8 years old that participated in a randomized field trial conducted in São Leopoldo. Two 24-hour dietary recalls were made for nutrient intake. The consumption of ultraprocessed foods and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) were evaluated from this instrument. The children were asked about the origin of the school lunch: if taken home, bought in the canteen or the food offered by the school. Results: Data from 313 children were avaluated. 32.6% ate school meal exclusively. Compared to other groups, this one that consumed exclusive school meal had higher fiber intake (p = 0.017), lower consumption of ultraprocessed food and a lower percentage of energy coming from this type of food (p <0.001). The avarage of HEI score was higher (66.6) (p = 0.041) and lower the prevalence of poor diet (2.0%) (p = 0.027) among those who consumed only school meal. Conclusion: The children who ate school meal had better diet quality, lower consumption of ultraprocessed food and higher fiber intake in relation to those that brougth home snack or purchased in the canteen.