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Topical Area: Community and Public Health Nutrition

Community and Public Health Nutrition (Poster Session)

(P24-102-23) Building a Pan-Canadian School Food Program: A Qualitative Study With Caregivers From Diverse Households To Understand Perceptions and Needs

Monday, July 24, 2023
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM ET
Location: Poster Board 508
Disclosure(s):
Selina Mae Quibrantar, MSc(c): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Mavra Ahmed, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.


Objectives: To understand caregiver perceptions and needs regarding school food program (SFP) attributes (i.e., cost, food types, procurement and added components) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and to understand cultural considerations about SFPs from the perspective of caregivers in specific ethnic population sub-groups (South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian).

Methods: Purposive sampling was used to reach the population of interest and flyers were shared by the research team, as well as organizations and stakeholders across the GTA through social media (i.e., Facebook groups, Twitter, Instagram, email). Data collection occurred through an online survey that contained 28 questions divided into three sections (household characteristics, school food programs, and household food behaviours). Following the survey, participants were invited to join a focus group to discuss perceptions and needs regarding SFPs. Survey data were collected using REDCap and analyzed in Stata to uncover trends and patterns. Focus groups were conducted on Zoom, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Focus group data were coded in NVivo and analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s 6-step approach to thematic analysis and features of qualitative directed content analysis.

Results: Participants reported various sentiments regarding SFP attributes, such as the potential impact of SFPs to foster social connections among school children and support families by ensuring food access at school. In addition, barriers to program participation were reported by participants such as limited school infrastructures, sporadic SFP availability across the GTA and, the quality and type of food provided to students. Various concerns including allergies, food waste, and health and safety during food preparation were noted. A significant feature that resonated in the focus group discussions was universality, which was described as removing barriers for SFP participation and ensuring all school children could access an SFP.

Conclusions: This study provides an overview of the most important attributes of a national SFP according to the perspectives of caregivers. These findings will guide policymaker priorities as they work towards the expansion of SFPs in Canada.

Funding Sources: Joannah & Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, Feeding Kids, Nourishing Minds