Analysis of a State Police Academy Menu Cycle for Dietary Quality and Performance Nutrition Adequacy

Bryan Michael Pepito, Jay Dawes, Deana Hildebrand and Jillian Joyce ()
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Bryan Michael Pepito: Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, College of Education and Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
Jay Dawes: Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, College of Education and Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
Deana Hildebrand: Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Education and Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
Jillian Joyce: Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, College of Education and Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-8

Abstract: Law enforcement officers have high rates of overweight and obesity. With diet as a leading risk factor, training academies present an opportunity for early-career nutrition intervention. Our purpose was to determine the dietary quality (DQ) and performance nutrition adequacy of a state police academy’s cafeteria menu. This cross-sectional content analysis included six weeks (three daily meals, Monday–Friday) of a police academy menu. Nutrient content was determined by portioning menus, gathering food specifications, and performing nutrient analysis. DQ was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015. Statistical analyses included independent t -tests and Cohen’s d. The total HEI score was 54/100. Subcomponent scores indicating adequacy included added sugar (5/5), total protein (4.97/5) and whole fruits (4.77/5). Seafood/plant proteins (0.33/5), fatty acid ratio (1.31/5), and dairy scores (1.59/10) needed significant improvement. The menu met the recommended intake for 13 of 19 nutrients investigated. Nutrients that did not meet adequacy were calories (% mean difference, needs-menu = 36.7%), carbohydrates (52.3%), vitamins D (82.5%) and E (66.7%), magnesium (44.1%), and potassium (41.8%). The academy menu leaves room for improvement in DQ and shortfall nutrients. By increasing low scores, the overall DQ of the menu will increase and supplement missing nutrients.

Keywords: nutrition; performance; dietary quality; law enforcement; training academy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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