School tuck shops in South Africa—an ethical appraisal

Abstract

It can be postulated that schools have an ethical responsibility to protect children from an unhealthy food environment. Against the backdrop of stunting, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in South African children, the aim of this scoping study is to review information available on foods sold to school children within an ethical framework. While some schools have a formal tuck shop, at other schools, food vendors sell food either on or outside the school premises. Ten studies, of which two were national, fit the selection criteria for this study. Available data show that mostly unhealthy food options are sold to South African school children; with low-nutrient energy-dense foods (e.g. chips, sweets) and sugar sweetened beverages being the most popular. The Integrated School Health Policy provide a policy framework for achieving healthy school food environments in South Africa, and several guidelines are available in South African to assist school tuck shops to sell healthier options. Children's preference for unhealthy foods, the cost of healthier food options and a lack of proper facilities may however be barriers for implementing healthy tuck shops. An action stronger than merely providing guidelines may therefore be needed. Cognisance needs to be taken of conflicting value based arguments within ethical perspectives. Given these conflicts, the authors argue that an Ethics of Responsibility contributes to the debate of the best and supports the notion that society at large has a responsibility to protect vulnerable communities of which school children are part. Presently an ethical vacuum exists in terms of rights and responsibilities which this study hopes to address.

Nutrient profile and energy cost of food sold by informal food vendors to learners in primary and secondary schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

“…Vetkoek (deep-fried dough) and chicken feet and heads were sold at just more than half of the schools and fruits at just more than a quarter of the schools. These findings reflect the results of a recent review ( 19 ) that found crisps (including corn-based snacks), sweets and chocolates generally being the food items sold mostly at schools in lower-income communities in South Africa. The review by Nortje et al ( 19 ) , however, did not report on the nutrient content, nutrient profile or cost of the foods.…”

“…These vendors are usually community members who live within close proximity of the school and sell food items to learners during the school break, as well as before and after school. A scoping study showed that crisps (including corn-based snacks), sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages are mostly sold, either through a tuck shop or food vendor ( 19 ) . Non-branded corn-based processed snacks are frequently sold in the informal market; informal vendors buy these snacks in bulk and repack them to sell to consumers ( 20 ) , generally at a price cheaper than the brand-name snacks.…”

Transitions between body mass index categories, South Africa

“… 19 – 21 A synthesis of studies conducted between 2006 and 2014 on the South African school food environment revealed that over half (from 51.1%; 1233/2412 to 69.3%; 330/476) of the students bought available and unhealthy foods from either tuck shops or vendors in their neighbourhood. 22 The population of age 15–24 years has also been identified as the largest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. 23 …”

Results from the Healthy Active Kids South Africa 2018 Report Card

“…Food bought from tuckshops or vendors is mostly unhealthy, with low nutrient density, high energy density and high levels of added salt and sugar. [43] This is concerning as about 50% of school-going children in SA regularly buy food at school, and do not pack lunch boxes. [43] The NSNP study observed that 40% of schools had food gardens that supply produce for NSNP meals, 23.9% of gardens were well maintained and 31.4% had vegetables growing in them.…”

“…[43] This is concerning as about 50% of school-going children in SA regularly buy food at school, and do not pack lunch boxes. [43] The NSNP study observed that 40% of schools had food gardens that supply produce for NSNP meals, 23.9% of gardens were well maintained and 31.4% had vegetables growing in them. [38] According to a regional qualitative study, many barriers exist that hinder the successful implementation of nutrition education in the curriculum.…”