Acceptability of Best Practice School Lunches by High School-Aged Participants in an Offer Setting

Abstract Objectives A major barrier to improving school lunch dietary quality (DQ) is perceived low acceptability, currently investigated through participation, selection, and plate waste in school settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in acceptability of NSLP-qualifying school lunches of high [Healthy Eating Index (HEI) = 90–95/100, best practice school lunch, BPSL] and moderate (HEI = 75/100, typical school lunch, TSL) DQ in a controlled offer setting by high school-aged children. Methods This randomized crossover trial included a convenience sample of 40 high school-aged students recruited from local National School Lunch Program (NSLP)-participating schools. Instruments included hunger scale, selection record, taste test survey, and weighted plate waste assessment. Participants were randomized into three groups, attending three meal conditions in a different order. Meal conditions (MC) had two options for each NSLP meal component: 1) BPSL/BPSL, 2) TSL/TSL, 3) BPSL/TSL. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, one-way ANOVA, ANCOVA, chi-squared, and regression analysis. Results Preliminary analysis showed one significant difference in acceptability between MC, for grain % plate waste (P < 0.001), such that MC1 was significantly greater than MC2 and MC3 (ps < 0.017, mean differences = 27.0% and 26.8%, respectively). Conclusions Preliminary results suggest minimal differences in acceptability between BPSL and TSL amongst high school students. Funding Sources Oklahoma State University.