The Contribution of School Lunch to Dietary Intake in Primary School Children in Relation to Household Income

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the contribution of school lunch to dietary intake in primary school children, in relation to household income. Students in the fifth grade and their parents were included. The household income of each family was obtained using a questionnaire completed by the parents. Children maintained dietary records for 4 days: 2 school days (weekdays) and 2 non-school days (weekend). Families were assigned to either a low household income group or a non-low income group. The amounts of nutrients and the ratio of nutrient intake from school lunch in relation to household income were assessed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The low-income group consumed fewer nutrients than the other group, especially on non-school days. The protein intake in the low-income group was lower than that in the other group on both school days and non-school days. The percentages of nutrient intake from school lunch did not differ between the groups on school days. However, the percentages of protein, vitamin A, and salt intake from school lunch relative to the total amounts of these nutrients during the 4 days were higher in the low-income group than in the other group.