Unhealthy and inequitable: Online canteen sales do not reflect policy guidance in Victorian primary schools

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether top-selling online (e-canteen) sales from Victorian Primary schools reflect canteen policy guidance and describe predictors of sales and cost. Methods: This cross-sectional study used e-canteen sales data from 29 Victorian primary schools. We categorised 425,332 items, assigned a nutritional rating (“Everyday”, “Select carefully”, “Occasionally” and “Never”) to the top 10 items sold and used multivariable regression analyses to explore predictors of sales and cost. Results: Among top-selling items (comprising 95% of sales), 8% were rated “Everyday”, 54% “Select carefully”, 19% “Occasionally”, 7% “Never” and 12% “Unknown”. Healthy (Everyday) sales were higher among schools with less than daily canteen availability, larger size, lower socio-educational position and higher area-level socio-economic position. Unhealthy (Occasionally–Never) sales were higher for special events, regional areas and areas of lower socio-economic position. The average meal price decreased with nutritional rating. Conclusion: There is low policy adherence, with similar sales of foods and drinks categorised as main choices (8%) vs. limited/prohibited (7%). Partial canteen policy implementation is resulting in inequitable nutrition and price outcomes across schools. Implications for Public Health: The current Victorian policy must be strengthened, fully implemented and centrally monitored to support all canteens to contribute to a healthy and equitable school food environment.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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