Assessment of School Food Policy Influencing Nutritional Behaviour of Adolescents from the Perspective of School Stakeholders in Ibadan, Oyo State

Mary Ibukunoluwa Tubi () and Oyediran Emmanuel Oyewole
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Mary Ibukunoluwa Tubi: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Bowen University, Iwo 232102, Nigeria
Oyediran Emmanuel Oyewole: Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: School food policy (SFP) that promotes nutritional behaviour is a national priority. Despite the role of school principals, teachers, and food service staff (FSS) in implementing SFP, their contribution to the current state of school food policy remains unexplored. The study aims to explore the perspective of these stakeholders on the effectiveness of SFP, barriers, and future recommendations for effective implementation. A qualitative study using 24 key informants interviews including principals ( n = 6), teachers ( n = 12), and FSS ( n = 6) was conducted. From the list of private secondary schools, six schools were randomly selected. Principals, teachers, and FSS were selected through purposive sampling. A thematic approach was adopted for the data analysis. Interview data were categorised into three broad themes: (1) availability of school food policy, (2) barriers to enforcement, and (3) recommendations. Most participants stated that policy implementation is not enforced. The barriers are non-prioritised funding, resistance to change, and time constraints. The recommendations include regular training, activity manual development, seasonal food promotion, nutrition education, and leadership support. The study provides a deeper understanding of the role of key stakeholders in the current state of the effectiveness of SFP implementation. The inclusion of stakeholders is essential for a successful school food policy.

Keywords: school food policy; nutritional behaviour; key informant; principal; teacher; food service staff (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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