Mr. Moumin Jannoun

What are Lebanese Students Eating? The Perceptions of Administrators

Abstract:

Introduction: Children’s eating habits have totally changed in the past few years. Students are having potato chips bags, candy bars, artificial juices, and soft drinks instead of having their full, balanced, healthy breakfast or lunch at recess. It is very important to address students’ eating habits especially at schools where most of the learning happens. A healthy breakfast is known to give balanced amount of energy throughout the day thus helping students focus more on what they are doing in class.

Methods: a qualitative study was conducted with 40 administrators of Lebanese schools in which 20 were administrators of public schools and the other 20 were administrators of private schools. They were interviewed about the food available in Lebanese schools and their perception about the relation between food and students’ academic performance. In addition, they were asked about the barriers of introducing healthy food and the ways they raise awareness about healthy food.

Results: Most of the food offered in Lebanese schools was: manakish (thyme and cheese), croissant, juice, biscuits, chips, and carbonated beverages. Half of the administrators do not know that there is a relation between food and students’ academic performance. Students, teachers, and parents’ reactions towards introducing healthy food or removing unhealthy food from schools were mostly positive. Most schools did not have barriers when introducing healthy food to their schools. Most administrators said that the best way to raise awareness about healthy food in schools is by doing nutritional campaigns and giving monthly lectures about the topic.

Conclusion: Schools should be the place for the change in our kids eating behaviour and shifting from bad habits of eating to healthy ones. Administrators are the key changers of these habits with the help of the government and other stakeholders.