THE NEED FOR SCHOOL-BASED NUTRITION ACTION GROUPS

The development of a school Nutrition Action Group (SNAG) is discussed, that would look at schools and their approach to nutrition and that would try to ensure that there is consistency between what is taught in the classroom and what food is actually available to the children. A SNAG involving the caterers, children, teachers and health professionals could influence food choices in a subtle rather than a dictatorial manner. All food outlets in a school need to be considered from breakfast to tuck-shops, vending machines, school meals and social catering. Success depends upon the involvement and ownership of all food provision in the school by both consumers and providers.