Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
OMEP European Conference and Assembly, Malmö, İsveç, 24 - 26 Nisan 2024
Early childhood supports all areas of development, including the acquisition of healthy and sustainable eating habits. Providing children with a balanced and nutritious diet during this period is critical to their growth and development. School meals are provided to children by the institution and influence their eating habits and sustainability awareness especially in early childhood. Through school meals, children become aware of the social, economic, environmental and health consequences of eating habits. School meals also have an essential role to play in promoting sustainable development, which is directly linked to SDG2, SDG4 and SDG5. Therefore, the actions taken in school food services and policies are crucial to support sustainable development. In Türkiye, state-funded kindergartens provide free breakfast, lunch, and snacks. School food policies and services are determined by school administrations and vary regionally.
The aim of this case study is to provide a picture of school catering practices, from menu planning (vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free and food allergy-sensitive menus) and purchasing of raw materials (mostly local and organic food) to leftover catering waste management (reduction of organic and inorganic waste: composting, recycling, food donation and portion sizes). The research involved 12 administrators from public kindergartens with varying SES. The aim was to identify the food services and policies of the schools. Research data was collected using observation and interview methods. Observations were conducted three times during the children's mealtimes at each Observations were followed by individual interviews with the administrators.
Data collection took place in November-December. Qualitative analysis was used to analyze the data. Although data analysis is ongoing, it has been found that none of the schools made special arrangements in menu planning and inadequate sustainable food waste management. However, in some schools a balanced diet is provided.