Catering organization for 8-10 grade students in general education schools

Aim of the study: To evaluate nutrition of students from 8-10 grades and its organization in general education schools of Šalčininkai district. Objectives: 1) To evaluate the nutritional peculiarity of students, 2) To evaluate students views on nutrition and its organization in schools 3) Develop recommendations for improving the organization of child nutrition in general education schools. Methods: For the investigation were chosen students of general education school of Šalčininkai district (n = 226) and public health specialists (n = 6). The study was done using an anonymous questionnaire and interview. The data were analyzed using a computerized version of SPSS 17. Results: Most of the students did not keep nutrition regime. Daily eat breakfast 60,2 % of interviewed students. 42 % students don’t eat dinner every day at school. One of five children eat only 1-2 times a day. From food, which is recommended do not eat, students once a day take candy (54,9 %), crisps (42.5 %) and fried potatoes (58,4 %). Half of the interviewed students every day eat fruits (53,5 %), green vegetables (51,3 %), dairy products (52,2%). Comparing boys and girls nutrition, girls eat healthier food. More girls than boys in the school canteen prefer soup, curd dishes, juices, fresh vegetable salads and fruits, while more boys than girls prefer marinated, pickled vegetables, fast food (burger, hot dog, cheeseburger), refreshing drinks. More than half of surveyed students (57,6 %) are not satisfied with the variety of meals menu offered in school, one of eight students answered that there is no menu in school at all. Every fifth student, that ate in school canteen, feels hunger, for the one-third of students was lack of food, that is supplied to the canteen. For the every tenth student food produced in school canteen is tasteless. After the order of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania of 19 July 2010 No. V-645 “For the catering organization for students in general education schools”, came into force, in the most of general schools the only one, who felt any change was disadvantaged children. Conclusions: Lack of knowledge of the healthy nutrition determines choice of food, that is not recommended to eat and also irregular meals