Empowering schools to help children and young people have healthier snacks this coming Snack-tember
- New research from the British Nutrition Foundation finds that 79 percent of students surveyed usually have two or more snacks on a school day.
- More than two-thirds (69 percent) of students are open to learning more about how to choose and make healthier snacks.
- More than half (53 percent) of students buy snacks from the school canteen at breaktime.
- One in five students (19 percent) indicates that the school canteen supports them in choosing healthier snack options.
A new survey* from the British Nutrition Foundation discovers that a significant majority (79 percent) of young people aged 10-13 years usually have two or more snacks during a school day. While many children and young people choose unhealthy snacks, having healthier snacks can help maintain energy levels throughout the day and provide essential nutrients.
The survey also found that more than two-thirds (69 percent) of students are open to learning how to choose and make healthier snacks. However, the results highlight that there is still room for improvement in schools when it comes to providing healthier snack options. Over half (53 percent) of students report purchasing snacks from the school canteen during breaktime, but only one in five students (19 percent) feel their school canteen helps them to choose healthier options.
Claire Theobald, Education Services Manager at the British Nutrition Foundation said: “We know that unhealthy snacks can contribute to intakes of sugar, salt and saturated fat. But schools can play a key role in empowering young people to choose snacks that provide essential nutrients, as well as being satisfying and tasty. That’s why we want schools to join us for Snack-tember this year to get free resources and support for healthier, more sustainable snacking for their pupils”
In response to these findings, The British Nutrition Foundation is inviting schools, retailers, and caterers to participate in a month-long initiative focused on promoting healthier, more sustainable snacking options for children and young people. By registering for Snack-tember, schools will receive free support and resources to help students have healthier snacks, including activity ideas, recipes, posters and information for parents and carers. Schools can find out more and register in our Snack-tember section
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* Survey of 2,592 young people aged 10-13 years carried out in schools from 18-29 November 2024
About the British Nutrition Foundation
Connecting people, food and science for better nutrition and healthier lives
The British Nutrition Foundation is a registered charity that provides impartial, evidence-based information about food and nutrition. We translate nutrition science in engaging and actionable ways, working extensively with people in academia, health care, education, communications and the food system, for public benefit.
We safeguard our independence through robust governance, with an independent Board supported by an Advisory Committee and a Scientific Committee, both of which draw upon a broad range of experts from academia, government, industry, and public life. Our governance is weighted towards the scientific community, universities, and research institutes, and those from education, finance, media, communications, and HR backgrounds.
Funding for the British Nutrition Foundation is from membership subscriptions; donations; project grants from food producers and manufacturers, retailers and food service companies; conferences; publications, training, trusts, and foundations. The British Nutrition Foundation is not a lobbying organisation, nor does it endorse any products or engage in food advertising campaigns.
More details about the British Nutrition Foundation’s work, funding and governance can be found here.
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