iPOPY

Nutrition and health (WP5)

Positive attitudes towards organic food are associated with healthier menus in worksite canteens, but it remains to be proven that POP policy in fact contributes to a healthier eating pattern. WP5 will explore whether organic conversion of public food systems will lead to changed dietary patterns that in turn may result in healthier eating among young consumers in school settings.

Initial scientific statements

• The implementation phase of POP in schools is often associated with adoption of general food and nutrition polices.
• The implementation phase of POP in schools is often associated with comprehensive redesign of menus to overcome premium prices on organic products.
• School based food and nutrition policies have been shown to support healthier eating patterns.
• Processes of change related to implementation of healthy eating and POP initiatives in schools are associated with learning processes among key stakeholders that might support healthier eating.

Research methods
Food practices before and after introduction of organic food will be studied by interviewing catering managers in DK, FI, IT, NO and DE in a web-based questionnaire. A pre/post test will be performed on Danish cases (= schools in Copenhagen, for the time being introducing organic food as a part of the school meal service) and controls (non-organic school meals), studied during the introduction period of organic food in the case schools. Comparable schools with respect to location and size will be selected. Finally, focus group interviews will be performed with 5-6th graders in Norway and Denmark to reveal attitudes, values and beliefs related to health, nutrition and sustainability.

Leader of WP5
Dr Bent Egberg Mikkelsen
Danish Food and Veterinary Institute
Denmark

Tel: +4572347424
E-mail: bemi@plan.aau.dk

People involved in WP5

Chen He

Gun Roos