School-based Intervention to Improve Dietary Quality of Mid-Morning Snacks: a Study Protocol

Abstract

Schools appear to be a key place to develop healthy eating habits. Currently in Portugal there is no mandatory legislation regarding school mid-morning snacks, allowing the children to bring all types of foods from home. This study aims to assess the effects of a school-based intervention in the dietary and nutritional quality of mid-morning snacks among children of São Miguel Island, Azores. The protocol describes the design of a quasi-experimental study that will include children attending second grade. The intervention involves children, school and family and will consist of two main components: i) a dietary education component through a storybook; and ii) dietary evaluations of mid-morning snacks brought from home during the intervention. The effects will be evaluated through assessment of the dietary quality of mid-morning snacks converted into a nutritional traffic-light label. To measure children’s nutrient intake an electronic database, including the Portuguese Food Composition Table will be used. Data on mid-morning snacks foods will be collected pre- and post-intervention. Through the implementation of this school-based intervention that involves children, their parents and teachers we expect to improve children’s food choices in mid-morning snacks. Ultimately, it is expected that these findings will contribute to the short- and long-term development of future dietary interventions in schools.