Summary:
The Healthy Foods in Schools Guidelines for Barbados aims to provide information and nutrient-based standards to develop menus in schools.
Description:
As an overview, the Guidelines outline the importance of nutritious and healthy foods in schools, while providing nutritional requirements for children and young people. The document also discusses other important health issues. These guidelines has four main objectives, divided as the following:
- to provide clear, evidence-based information about the relationship between good nutrition, physical activity and its impact on the health and development of children and young people;
- to provide nutrient-based standards, which can be used to develop suitable menus so that healthy food and drinks can be offered in schools;
- to encourage schools to develop and implement food policies which promote healthy eating throughout the school;
- to act as a resource document for health professionals and policy makers.
For the FULL purposes, the guidelines is an important tool to the referred targeted audience. This happens especially due to its information regarding nutritious and healthy foods. Furthermore, the document provides examples of menu planning in schools not only to canteen operators but also to parents. Importantly, guidelines includes ideas of canteen lunches and breakfast clubs in relation to packed lunches and nutritious snacks.