Children's Perceptions of the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

Mariam R Ismail; Jason A Gilliland; June I Matthews; Jennifer Beverley; Danielle S Battram

doi:10.3148/cjdpr-2022-042

Children's Perceptions of the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2023 Sep 1;84(3):171-175. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-042. Epub 2023 Mar 9.

Authors

Mariam R Ismail¹, Jason A Gilliland², June I Matthews³, Jennifer Beverley³, Danielle S Battram⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Geography & Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada; School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada.
³ School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada.
⁴ School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada; Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Western University, London, ON, Canada.

PMID: 36892257
DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2022-042

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore children's lived experiences with the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP), a free, school-based snack program implemented in elementary schools in Southwestern, Ontario, Canada, to gain insights into future school food programs (SFP).Methods: Focus group discussions (n=17) were conducted with 105 children in Grades 5 to 8 in seven elementary schools. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes using inductive content analysis.Results: Overall, children appreciated the OSNP and felt that it filled a need in students. Children also reported a willingness to try novel food items. For future SFPs, participants recommended that input be sought from children to ensure food preferences were considered. Children also discussed wanting more appealing food offerings that may include some choice. Finally, children also mentioned wanting a fair and equitable distribution of food in classrooms.Conclusions: Children appreciated the OSNP and reported benefits to themselves and their peers. They also provided some valuable recommendations for future SFPs. If a nationally funded SFP is to be considered in Canada, children expressed the need to make the program equitable, while still allowing schools the flexibility to meet their unique needs and preferences.

Keywords: children; enfants; implementation; mise en œuvre; programme d’alimentation dans les écoles; school food program.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Child
Food Preferences*
Food*
Humans
Nutritional Status
Ontario
Students