The food environment of students on a financial assistance programme at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

  • N M Lucia Meko University of the Free State
  • E Marizeth Jordaan University of the Free State

Abstract

Introduction: The research study was undertaken to determine the food that students on the financial assistance program at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, could buy on campus. Students on this program can buy food from six food outlets on campus from their daily allowance. The types of foods sold were mostly sugar-containing products. The availability of healthy food choices should be promoted in an environment where food assistance programs are offered to students. Objectives: Enrolment at institutions of higher learning is associated not only with poor eating habits, but also food insecurity. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the food environment for students on the financial assistance programme at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. Study population and sample: Six food outlets providing food for students on the food assistance programme. Methods: All food items sold at the specified outlets were recorded using a store audit form. Results: The food outlets allocated to the recipients were two take-away food outlets, three cafeterias and one tuck shop. Of the food items sold at these outlets, only 1% was classified as dairy. Sugar-containing products represented 29.2% of the food items sold, followed by starches (19.3%) and protein-containing foods (18.6%). Conclusion: The quality and diversity of foods available on campuses should be considered when implementing food assistance programs. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojcn) South Afr J Clin Nutr 2016; DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2016.1198608

Author Biographies

N M Lucia Meko, University of the Free State
PhD (Dietetics) Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
E Marizeth Jordaan, University of the Free State
MSc (Dietetics) Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Free State Bloemfontein South Africa
Published
2016-01-24
How to Cite
Meko, N. M., & Jordaan, E. (2016). The food environment of students on a financial assistance programme at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 29(3), 34-36. Retrieved from http://sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/1066
Section
Short Reports or Scientific Letters