Prof. Müge Arslan, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Üsküdar University, evaluated the updated criteria for food to be sold in school canteens, the importance of instilling healthy eating habits in children, and economic access to canteen products.
“Eating behavior does not suddenly form in adulthood”
Prof. Müge Arslan stated that the regulations for school canteens are important not only for children's current health but also for their future eating habits, saying, “Eating behavior is not a behavior that suddenly forms in adulthood. Portion control, food preferences, and which foods will be prioritized in daily life are shaped during childhood and adolescence. Eating behavior develops during this process.”
Emphasizing that the steps taken in childhood are reflected in later years of life, Prof. Arslan noted that healthy eating habits should be supported at an early age.
Habits acquired in childhood also affect future health
Prof. Müge Arslan, drawing attention to childhood obesity, stated that providing healthy food options in the school environment should be considered a long-term preventive health approach.
Prof. Arslan said, “This step taken in childhood is a protective practice both for child health and against many health problems that may arise parallel to unhealthy eating in adulthood and old age, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Therefore, it needs to be evaluated from multiple perspectives.”
The aim is to raise awareness for healthy food choices
Pointing out the importance of explaining the reasons for healthy choices, Prof. Müge Arslan said, “Actually, the aim of the implementation is not prohibition, but to increase the child's awareness of making healthy food choices. This is very important.”
Prof. Arslan stated that the content of foods is important in their evaluation; he said that the amounts of sugar, salt, and saturated fat, as well as fiber, protein, and fruit content, are among the factors to be considered.
Healthy options should be made attractive for children
Stating that alternatives offered in canteens should be prepared in a way that children will happily choose, Prof. Müge Arslan explained that the content and preparation methods of usual products can be changed.
Prof. Arslan made the following suggestions:
“The foods given to children need to be made more appealing and attractive. Toast or pastry can still be offered, but they must be prepared using healthy methods. Whole grain flour can be used instead of white flour. In terms of the oil used, products made with olive oil can be preferred instead of solid fats.”
Prof. Arslan also stated that bread choices and cooking methods can be reviewed for products that children are interested in, such as hamburgers, and emphasized that children's preferences and expectations should also be considered when creating healthy alternatives.
Ayran and kefir can be offered instead of carbonated drinks
Stating that beverage options are also important in instilling healthy eating habits, Prof. Müge Arslan said, “Ayran and kefir can be offered instead of sugary, carbonated drinks.”
Prof. Arslan stated that alternatives can also be created by changing the methods used in preparing food, and continued:
“Instead of deep-frying, seasoned baked potatoes can be offered. Meatballs, or hamburger patties, can be presented baked instead of fried in oil. These are healthier options for children.”
“Ensuring equal access to food is very important”
Evaluating canteen prices, Prof. Müge Arslan emphasized that in addition to offering healthy products, it is also important for children to be able to purchase these products.
Prof. Arslan used the expression, “I would especially prefer products accessible to children to be a bit lower priced. Because ensuring equal access to food is very important.”
Pointing out that families' economic conditions vary, Prof. Arslan said that schools should close this gap in situations where the opportunities to prepare and offer healthy food at home are limited.
Children's access should be considered in canteen prices
Prof. Müge Arslan concluded her words by stating that not every family may be able to afford the products sold in the canteen, saying, “Equal access to food must be ensured, this is very important. Food prices should be such that they provide equal access for every child. Inflation may be rising, but a different approach should be considered for pricing in schools.”
