The association between organic school food policy and school food environment: results from an observational study in Danish schools.
OBJECTIVE
School food in many countries has become the object of change and innovation processes, not only in relation to policies for healthier eating but also in relation to policies for more sustainable food consumption and procurement. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible influence that organic food sourcing policies in Danish school meal systems may have on the development of healthier school food environments.


METHODS
The study was a cross-sectional analysis undertaken among 179 school food coordinators (SFCs) through a web-based questionnaire (WBQ) in a sample of Danish public primary schools. The 'organic' schools were compared to 'non-organic' schools. The questionnaire explored the attitudes, intentions/policies and actions in relation to organic and healthy foods served in the schools.


RESULTS
Data indicates that 20 'organic' schools were associated with the indicators of healthier school environments, including adopting a Food and Nutrition Policy (FNP) in the school (p = .032), recommending children to eat healthily (p = .004).


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that organic food policies in schools may have potential to support a healthier school food environment.
Research group for Meal Science & Public Health Nutrition, Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen. A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Chen
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Bent E
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Mikkelsen
D001290:Attitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D004777:Environment; D058870:Food, Organic; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards
healthy eating; organic food; public procurement; school food policy