Effect of a free healthy school meal on fruit, vegetables and unhealthy snacks intake in Norwegian 10- to 12-year-old children.

Background: Norwegian children have a lower intake of fruit, vegetables, and a higher intake of unhealthy snacks compared to dietary guidelines. Such dietary inadequacies may be detrimental for their current and future health. Schools are favorable settings to establish healthy eating practices.

Possible effects of a free, healthy school meal on overall meal frequency among 10-12-year-olds in Norway: the School Meal Project.

Objective: To evaluate possible effects of intake of a free, healthy school meal on overall meal frequency among 10-12-year-olds in Norway. This was evaluated using a quasi-experimental school-based intervention study assessing children's meal frequency retrospectively using a questionnaire in two elementary schools in the southern part of Norway in 2014/15. Multiple logistic regression analyses with breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper as dependent variables were used.