School Canteens in Selected Areas in Indonesia: A Situation Analysis

Abstract

Background: The school canteen has a massive impact on the dietary intake and nutritional status of school-age children and adolescents. This study aimed at assessing the current situation of school canteens in selected areas in Indonesia and relevant knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of school-going children and adolescents. Methods: A qualitative study was implemented in a purposive sample of 18 schools in Klaten and West Lombok districts with 2 comparison schools in Jakarta and Klaten. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with a wide range of stakeholders to collect information on nutrition knowledge, food preferences, related policies and governance, and opinions toward school canteens. Data were analyzed using thematic synthesis and narrative analysis. Results: Specific government guidelines on healthy foods and beverages to be sold in canteens are not yet in place. Many canteens had inadequate infrastructure and were managed informally, with limited rules, monitoring, and supervision. Although healthy options including vegetables and fruits were available in most canteens, unhealthy foods and beverages were abundant and cheap. Lack of awareness of the importance of nutrition of school-age children and adolescents was pervasive among all stakeholders. Personal preference and availability were main drivers of the students’ food choices. Conclusions: Concerted multisectoral and multistakeholders’ efforts are warranted to improve the quality of school canteens in Indonesia by developing a comprehensive relevant guideline, improving the capacity of related stakeholders and service providers, enhancing the implementation and monitoring, and generating demand for healthy canteens.

Essential food and nutrition knowledge and skills for primary school children: Australian parents' opinions

“…These findings also match those observed in previous studies that reported inconsistent implementation of canteen policies in Victoria and low adherence to canteen policy (Lawlis et al, 2016) with many discretionary food items and lack of healthy food items on the canteen menus (Woods et al, 2014). International studies previously reported similar criticism of school canteens and highlighted inequity across schools (Rachmadewi et al, 2021;Porto et al, 2015;Fitzpatrick et al, 2017). For example, Indonesian and Brazilian school canteens have heavily promoted non-nutritious snacks to children (Porto et al, 2015;Rachmadewi et al, 2021).…”

“…, 2014). International studies previously reported similar criticism of school canteens and highlighted inequity across schools (Rachmadewi et al. , 2021; Porto et al.…”

“…International studies previously reported similar criticism of school canteens and highlighted inequity across schools (Rachmadewi et al, 2021;Porto et al, 2015;Fitzpatrick et al, 2017). For example, Indonesian and Brazilian school canteens have heavily promoted non-nutritious snacks to children (Porto et al, 2015;Rachmadewi et al, 2021). Findings from industrialised nations such as Canada also reflect similar unhealthy school environments (Fitzpatrick et al, 2017).…”

“…For example, Indonesian and Brazilian school canteens have heavily promoted non-nutritious snacks to children (Porto et al. , 2015; Rachmadewi et al. , 2021).…”

Parents' perceived risks and benefits on avoidance of street food near schools in Indonesia: Moderating role of school type

“…Frequently, street foods may lack freshness and contain excessive additives. Alarming data reveal that around half of the street food available near schools contains harmful chemicals like sodium cyclamate and saccharin as artificial sweeteners, as well as sodium benzoate as a preservative (Hadi et al, 2022; Rachmadewi et al, 2021). To make matters worse, street food is often contaminated with pollutants, sewage, unclean water, and even cigarette smoke (Cempaka et al, 2019; Damastuti et al, 2021; Dyna et al, 2018; Rosida & Windraswara, 2017).…”