Developing a Model for a Healthy Eating Policy for Preschools

Methods: This study was the final part of a larger study aiming to develop a healthy eating policy for preschool children. A quasi-experimental action research method was used in 8 intervention and 8 matched control schools. First, existing healthy eating policies for preschool children and dietary intake of selected schools and children were assessed. Thereafter reports were relayed to all schools. Then a healthy eating policy was developed in the 8 intervention schools. The policy-making process was analysed; the facilitating factors for policy implementation and barriers were recorded. Finally, a model for implementing a healthy eating policy for preschool children was formulated.

Results: A model was formulated based on policy implementing factors, stages of policy making, and activities that had impacts on the policy implementation in the schools. Facilitating factors to implement the school policy development process were (1). Active role of parents, school staff and school board members. (2). Professional pressure was important as was the dentists acting as advocates in encouraging and educating on the nutritional aspects. The educational supervisor played an active monitoring role regarding school healthy eating activities. (3). Co-ordination between all stakeholders and (4) nutritional education activities that are participatory, developmentally appropriate and fun, played an important role. (5). Finally, the school environment was a significant facilitating factor. There were many barriers to implementing the policy. For example, child peer pressure, environmental factors such as few healthy snack alternatives and food advertising.

Conclusion: A model to implement school healthy eating policy should take into account relevant facilitating factors and barriers.

This study was funded by The Thai Health Promotion Foundation