The Impact of the Foods Served in the School Canteen on the Grade-11

Venus students of Caba National High School

In Partial Fulfillment of the Research Requirements

in Practical Research 1

By:

Nuesca, Raine M.

Submitted to:

Rowena P. De Roselin

School Year: 2024-2025

The Impact of the Foods Served in the School Canteen on the Grade-11
Venus Students of Caba National High School

INTRODUCTION

A school canteen serves as a source of food and instructional materials for

all students, it plays a significant role in their lives. Students can take a break
from their tasks of study by using the canteen as a place to socialize and unwind.
They are an essential component of the school environment and play a
significant role in providing meals to students and the school community. To
enhance and encourage student learning, the school canteen should be in line
with the school's instructional objectives. The food served in the school canteen
may make up one-third of a student's daily consumption and have a big impact
on their nutrition and general health, also the school canteen must make sure
that the food is both cheap and high quality. Their overall food consumption,
eating habits, nutritional status, and preferences are greatly influenced by the
food they buy. To improve their capacity to acquire and incorporate knowledge
the material taught in class, it is sense to make sure the best food is provided.
Restricting unhealthy food in an educational setting is appropriate. A efficient
school canteen can improve students overall school experience and make a
major beneficial impact on their wellbeing.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The students' favorite session or period of time is usually recess, which is

a brief break during which they eat to regain their strength and hunger. This is
why every Philippine school has a canteen where students can purchase food
and beverages. This avoids the need for students to go far to purchase meals
during recess. There are several stalls selling an extensive variety of delicious
foods and beverages at our school canteen. Typically, the meals is steamed,
deep-fried, and rice meal combos are made up from different dishes. Also cooling
drinks, which are typically packaged beverages and flavored juices. Our school
canteen also complies with regulations to guarantee the safety of the food
served to students, and they follow procedures to make sure that there are no
issues with food distribution. Although having a canteen at school is a good idea,
but there are still problems. One of the reasons for the issues is why our school
frequently offers meals that is constant and are both nutritious and a bit
unhealthy. The students are affected by it because the food options are not
interchangeable, it could trigger allergies. Depending on how effectively the
menu is designed and implemented, students may experience both positive and
negative effects from the constant food supplied in the school canteen.
Positively, it can offer a reliable source of nutrients, routine, and cost. On the
down side, students general wellbeing may be harmed by a lack of variety,
unbalanced meals, and even cultural insensitivity. To ensure that the meals
served satisfy the wide range of dietary requirements and individual tastes of the
students, schools must find a balance between consistency and diversity. A well-
designed school canteen may significantly improve students school experiences
and promote their health. Additionally, some are unsold and end up as food
waste, which results in waste. Furthermore the Department of Education (DepEd)
mandated a policy and guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverage choices in
schools for establishing food standards and encouraging and developing healthy
eating habits in students and DepEd staff by providing healthy, inexpensive, and
nutritious menu options. Comprehensive health and wellness initiatives,
including instruction on food and nutrition, are encouraged to be implemented in
schools. They facilitate the establishment of healthy eating habits and aid in the
disappearance of malnutrition. In addition In order to provide students with a
nutritious and inexpensive a meal snack, school canteen vendors must set a
good example. Children can actively encourage healthy eating habits and
appropriate food preferences if the education sector works harder to develop in
them the importance of eating a balanced diet. Studying how the school
canteens are run and managed is important since it may serve as the foundation
for a better canteen development program.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to determine how CNHS students are affected by school
canteen meals. This covers the cost of the meal, its nutritional content, and its
daily menu.

Specifically, this study sought answers to the following questions:

1. What is the reason why school food vendors don't change their menu?

2. Why don't the school vendors switch to healthier options?

3. What will the students respond, and will they be satisfied?

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This research aims to evaluate the effect of unhealthy and constant foods
served to the students of Caba National High School. Also the satisfaction of the
students in the school canteen. Furthermore to identify the problems with the
food safety and quality of the students in order to create a healthier school food
environment. Complaints about the students health, the food’s safety and
quality.

IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

This research will help to infom the students especially the vendors the
importance of having a food at canteen that is freshly served, also the
disadvantage and its effect. In order for them to know if the food they offer and
what the students purchase is nutritious or not, as the students claim that the
canteen vendor’s and the food they sell are constant or never change. Because
consuming nutritious food improves students nutritional state and is an
investment in achieving learning goals and developing human resources. In
addition in order to improve the health of students, school canteens that
encourage a healthy lifestyle are also being built. Students depend on the school
canteen because it shapes their habits.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

According to the study of Bactad, M., et al. (2017), one of the busiest areas of
the school is thought to be the canteen. It is expected that students will visit this
location two or three times every day, making it one of the most popular spots in
school. The canteen provides a space for students to spend their free time and
relax through peaceful conversations. It's also an excellent venue to encourage
people to love eating healthy. The canteen's primary objective is to provide
healthy, inexpensive, and ethnically diverse meal alternatives. The canteen also
offers visually appealing and varied dishes to encourage students to eat more
nutritiously. Additionally, it provides excellent customer service that improves
the relationship with students by attending to their requests and needs quickly.
However, school canteens play a crucial role. One of the most significant groups
in the school community the students are served by them. One thing unites
canteens, regardless of their size or location, they have an obligation to provide
safe meals.

In the same way, Banga, A., et al. (2017), Every school has food service
sections that offer a wide range of meal options and present wholesome,
delicious foods in a way that appeals to the students. Food items that are sold in
and around the school during recess or school hours are important since they
give students energy and refreshment. It affects the students' and school
community's well-being as well as academic and extracurricular events. a
reaction to the needs of the student customers, which is socially diverse in terms
of age, ethnic background, level of education, and eating habits. In recent years,
there have been numerous adjustments to school food services. The way that
expectations are addressed has an impact on management styles, menu
concepts, payment methods, and service techniques. Any food and beverage
establishment's capacity to meet or above students' expectations by offering a
dining experience that includes both tangible and intangible factors is what
determines its success. Students are more complex today and are exposed to a
wider range of dining experiences at a young age, including ambiance,
cleanliness, food taste, quantity served, variety of food, customer service, price,
and nutritional value of food services. They are also satisfied with the service
they should receive from institutional food service. Students' evaluations of
institutional food service are influenced by these characteristics.

On the Department Order no.13 series of 2017 or the Policy and Guidelines
on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices
emphasizes on promotion and development of healthy eating habits among the
learners and all DepEd employees by making available healthy, nutritious, and
affordable menu choices, and for setting food standards. This policy and
guidelines aim to make available healthier food and beverages, introduce a
system of categorizing locally available foods. provide guidance in evaluating
and categorizing foods and drinks and provide guidance in selling and marketing
of foods and beverages on schools and Deped offices.

Factors that influence food choices in secondary school canteens: a

qualitative study of pupil and staff perspectives by Devine, L. D., et al. (2023),
examined the adolescence is recognized as a period of nutritional vulnerability,
with evidence indicating that United Kingdom adolescents have suboptimal
dietary intakes with many failing to meet dietary recommendations. Additionally,
adolescence is a time of transition when they become more independent in their
dietary choices and begin to develop their own sense of autonomy and are less
reliant on their parent’s guidance, which is reported to lead to less favorable
dietary behaviors. Reducing the prevalence of poor dietary intakes and the
associated negative health consequences among this population is a public
health priority and schools represent an important setting to promote positive
dietary behaviors. The aim of this school-based study was to explore the factors
and barriers which influence food choices within the school canteen and to
identify feasible strategies to promote positive dietary behaviors within this
setting.

On the book entitled the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education

Organization Regional Centre for Food and Nutrition(2022), ensuring that
children receive nutritious, safe, and balanced food in their diet is essential for
facilitate proper growth and enhance learning capacity. Research indicates that
the health and nutritional well-being of children are dependent upon the quality
and sufficiency of their daily dietary consumption. The Global Nutrition Report
disclosed that multiple types of malnutrition persist among school-aged children
in Southeast Asian nations due to poor dietary practices, including skipping
breakfast, imbalanced nutritional intake, and frequent consumption of foods high
in salt, sugar, and fat. School-aged children typically spend 4–8 hours of their
lives in school, and because of this and the intense activities they engage in
there, they need access to foods that will provide them with the energy and
nutrients they need to get through the day. At this age, schoolchildren begin to
choose foods they want to eat, especially when they are not at home, and this is
influenced by their peers, the school community as a whole, their exposure to
the media, or their purchasing power. Therefore, it is important to provide them
with the knowledge and skills they need to develop healthy eating habits.
Additionally, studies have shown that schools are the best places to teach
students about nutrition and encourage healthy eating habits.

On the other hand, Galabo, Norman R. Ed D (2019), canteen is a location

where various snack and beverage items are sold in as well as food that is
served and consumed. To ensure that students have the energy they need to
complete their daily tasks, schools use canteens to provide for their dietary and
nutritional needs. Through its curriculum in schools and many programs that
provide chances for physically fit people who like eating nutritiously the
Department of Education remains firmly dedicated to supporting students' health
and well-being. Comprehensive health and wellness programs, which include
instruction on food and nutrition, are encouraged to be implemented in schools.
The establishment and ongoing operation of the school canteen is crucial to
promoting a love and interest in purchasing wholesome food among students,
faculty, and staff members. This allows them to enjoy wholesome food at
affordable prices throughout the school day.

According to the study of Mensink, F., et al. (2012), people’s dietary

choices can be significantly influenced by their surroundings. It is crucial that the
school food environment is healthful in order to encourage pupils to make
healthier food choices and to form good eating habits. One intervention that
helps schools make their cafeteria offerings healthier is The Netherlands
Nutrition Center’s Healthy School Canteen program. An independent research
organization carried out a descriptive study to find out what the program’s users
school administrators, parents, students, and medical professionals thought and
felt. The findings indicate that both directors and students at participating
schools believe their cafeteria offerings are healthier now than they were before
the program was put into place. The study’s other significant findings are then
emphasized, and connections to other initiatives, cautions, and useful
suggestions are covered. The Healthy School Canteen program is a promising
intervention to improve the school food environment, but further study is
required to determine its efficacy in the long run. Additionally, encouraging all
schools to join the program will be difficult in order to meet the Dutch
government’s target of having healthy canteen in all Dutch schools by 2015.

Assessment on the canteen services in all central schools of Catarman:

Basis in the design of a model canteen. A study by Pajantoy, A. J. C., et al.
(2022), the primary risk factors for malnutrition among kids worldwide are
unhealthy foods and beverages. It is one big problem that the world is facing
today with the perception of either food intake as a source of nutrients or
ailments. The canteen serves as the primary food supply for employees and
students on campus at an educational institution. It is in charge of the students'
healthy eating habits. Therefore, it is expected that the students' dietary choices
may have a major impact on their health. The majority of school canteens
currently deal with common issues related to students' eating habits. Students in
Catarman's central schools are particularly concerned about the food that will be
sold, the cost of the food products, the small area, the absence of kitchen
facilities, and hygiene. By creating an ideal school canteen that aims to eliminate
malnutrition and functions as an extension of their dining space away from home
through better operations, the researcher was able to address this issue. Since
students stay longer at school and purchase food from the school canteen,
schools should take the promotion of a healthy environment seriously in light of
the rising number of health issues in today's society. Consequently, to assist the
health needs of the students at all Philippine schools.

According to study of Sharma, P., et al. (2019), canteens in schools are

essential for maintaining the nutritional health of teenagers. Frequent eating of
unhealthy foods from school canteens may increase the prevalence of
malnutrition in students, particularly teenagers. To provide a thorough summary
of the nutritional value of the food items offered in South Asian school canteens,
a narrative assessment was carried out. Articles were found by searching three
electronic scientific databases, and a selection of those articles were examined.
The lack of a school food policy or set of guidelines, dirty school canteens, the
abundance and accessibility of unhealthy items there, and the ignorance of
parents, teachers, students, and principals about a healthy school food
environment were all highlighted in the literature study.

In the study of Yoong, S. L., et al. (2015, schools represent a valuable

setting for interventions to improve children’s diets, as they offer structured
opportunities for ongoing intervention. Modifications to the school food
environment can increase purchasing of healthier foods and improve children’s
diets. This study examines the availability of healthy food and drinks,
implementation of pricing and promotion strategies in Australian primary school
canteens, and whether these varied by school characteristics.

METHODOLOGY
 The purpose of this study is to determine why school food vendors are
unwilling to switch to healthier options, why they never change their menus, and
why students are satisfied with the school meal options that are currently
available. The procedures for gathering and evaluating data from students in
order to produce useful information are described in this technique. A face-to-
face interview was used in this study at Grade Eleven Venus.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This research used Case Study method to explain their study about the
impact of food served at school canteen on the Grade Eleven Students of Venus.
This research design aims to describe the situation for the purpose of explaining
the problem. This method enables to gather detailed information from students.
The case study provides a deeper understanding of factors like menu
affordability, preparation, and student preferences. Additionally, it allows for the
exploration of under-researched topics, offering valuable insights.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

On the Twentieth day of February year Twenty-Twenty Five, I decided to

conduct an interview on the students of Eleven Venus (TVL-HE) in Caba National
High School. I prepared three questions under my statement of the problem.

1. What is the reason why school food vendors don't change their menu?

1.1 It is affordable

1.2 It is easy to prepare

1.3 It is what students usually buy

1.4 It is what school vendors usually sell

2. Why don't the school vendors switch to healthier options?

2.1 Student’s preferences

2.2 The cost

 2.3 Lack of awareness of school vendors

2.4 Lack of Demand

3. What will the students respond, will you be satisfied?

3.1 Very satisfied

3.2 Satisfied

3.3 Fairly satisfied

3.4 Did not meet expectations

The first question is, what is the reason why school food vendors don't
change their menu? Based on their responses, they answered the four different
choices which is the reason why the menu does not change.

RESPONDENT 1:

Actually, it’s because the food is affordable. As Student’s, our school

allowance is just a suitable amount of money and not too much to on our daily
expenses in school especially in food, so it’s nice that the school keeps the price
affordable.

RESPONDENT 2:

It’s probably because the food is easy to prepare. In my two years of

learning here at CNHS since Grade Nine, I noticed that they always serve the
same things like chicken, food wrappers, and deep fried dishes. With this it’s
quicker for them to make it.

RESPONDENT 3:

It’s definitely because it’s what us Student’s usually buy. I always get the
same meal like the chicken and rice or the food wrappers.
RESPONDENT 4:

Honestly, I think it’s because that’s what the vendors usually sell, it’s easier
for them to keep the same items on the menu.

Based on the results at the interview, I found out that there are many
reasons why the menu at the canteen does not change due to the financial and
practical factors. The four main reasons are it is affordable, easy to prepare,
student’s and vendors usually buy and sell which the vendors offering student’s
preferences and needs, just like creating a cycle where the same things are sold
regularly.

The Second Question was why don't the school vendors switch to healthier
options? The results came out and there are two main reasons that they
answered why the school vendors do not switch to healthier options.

RESPONDENT 1:

I think it’s because us student’s just prefer the unhealthy meals.

RESPONDENT 2:

Actually, it’s all about what students like to eat or it’s a habit.

RESPONDENT 3:

I think healthier food is more expensive.

RESPONDENT 4:

Actually, it’s cheaper to stick with the standard options like fried foods.
 On the results of the interview, I found out that the school food vendors
don’t switch to healthier options because it’s for students preferences for less
healthy food and the cost of healthier ingredients here.

Lastly, the Third Question was what will the students respond, will you/they
be satisfied? The results came out and there are two major satisfactory that the
students choose to.

RESPONDENT 1:

I would be definitely satisfied, I’m always happy on what I bought at the

canteen.

RESPONDENT 2:

I’d be fairly satisfied, I noticed that they sell the same food everyday but if
they offer a good balance menu I’d be happy on it.

RESPONDENT 3:

I’d be satisfied, I think our school canteen had the chance to improve and I
am glad to buy at our school canteen.

RESPONDENT 4:

I would fairly satisfied because the other food they sell are not healthy and
oily.

According to the conducted interview, the responses indicated a mix of

satisfactory levels, some student’s expressed being satisfied and some are fairly
satisfied.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
 Most of Caba National High School's school food vendors usually don't
change their menus because the foods are affordable, easy to make, and usually
match with what the students are used to eating. This keeps guarantees a
consistent student’s base and the menu's familiarity allows for its appeal.

Student’s preferences for the current menu items and the higher cost of
healthier products are the main reasons why school food vendors are not willing
to offer healthier options. It is hard for moving toward healthier options because
of such challenges, as the change may not be liked or attainable on a budget for
the foods to be serve.

The students expressed that they were "satisfied" or "fairly satisfied",

according to their feedback which shows a mixed degree of satisfaction. This
implies that although there is a fair amount of satisfaction, there is still
opportunity for progress, especially in terms of offering healthier or greater
variety of food options.

CONCLUSION

The school food vendors do not change their menu because for its
affordability, it is easy for the preparation of foods, and a match with the
student’s preferences.

The price, student preferences, and lack of demand make the school food
vendors refusing to try to switch to healthier options.

As how students respond to menu changes may go from satisfaction to

unmet, most of them responded "Satisfied" and "Fairly Satisfied" answers,
suggesting that there is still opportunity for progress.

RECOMMENDATIONS
 School food vendors should add new menu items to maintain cost
affordable while providing a variety. To have balance, the food needs to be
alternated, such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (MWF) menu and Tuesday
and Thursday menu.

School food vendors should raise awareness of the benefits of healthier

choices and offer affordable, small portions of healthy meals to meet student
demand.

School food vendors should offer a balance of familiar and healthier options
and gather student feedback through asking them if it is good or bad to ensure
higher satisfaction.

REFERENCES

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Department of Education (2017). DepEd Order no. 13, s. 2017 – Policy and
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