Comparison of Two School Feeding Programmes in Ghana, West Africa
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition of children in Ghana continues during school years. There is limited information on
how school meals meet nutrient recommendations in Ghana.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the energy and nutrient content of meals served by Ghana School Feeding
Programme (GSFP) and Non-Governmental School Feeding Programme (NGSFP) and adherence to nutrient
recommendations.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design involving the observation of school meals at two sites: GSFP and NGSFP.
The average weights of a week’s meal were converted to energy and nutrient equivalence and compared with international
recommendations. Differences were assessed with t-tests.
Results: NGSFP provided significantly higher portion size (416 ± 96 g vs. 243 ± 50 g; p=0.007), energy (776 ± 427 kcal
vs. 315 ± 24 kcal; p=0.042) and fats (17± 8 vs. 6 ± 2; p=0.019) but similar micronutrient contributions to GSFP. NGSFP
met energy and macronutrient recommendations set by the World Food Programme; whereas, GSFP did not meet the
recommendations.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The NGSFP had more energy and macronutrients per serving size than the GSFP.
Regulation of meals served by GSFP should be reviewed to ensure they contribute to the adequacy of children’s diets as
well as meet recommendations set by the World Food Programme.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Malnutrition, school breakfast and lunch programmes, nutritional value, diet diversity, Ghana
Citation
Owusu J., Colecraft E., Aryeetey R., Vaccaro JA, & Huffman FG, (2016). Comparison of Two School Feeding Programs in Ghana, West Africa. International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition, 5 (2), 56-62.