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.