Food choices among students using the school food service in New Zealand

Aim The aim of the current study is to describe the demographic characteristics and food choices of school canteen/tuckshop users. Method Data for the current study were collected as part of the 2002 National Children’s Nutrition Survey. 3275 students aged 5 to 14 completed a food frequency questionnaire and food habits interview. Results More than half of all students (58%) bought some or most of their food and drink from the school canteen. Among younger students, canteen users were more likely to be Māori or Pacific people and from more economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Most of the older students (74%) bought most or some of their food consumed at school from the school canteen and few demographic differences were statistically significant. Canteen use was associated with frequent consumption of some high-sugar/high-fat foods in a dose response manner, even after controlling for how much or how little food students brought from home or bought at dairies/takeaway shops. Among younger students, canteen users were significantl