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Item An evaluation of 'Feed the Need' and other food assistance programmes on dietary intake and classroom success in a low decile school in South Auckland, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2016) Ansell, Samantha MarieBackground: Feed the Need (FTN) is a charitable organisation that provides lunches to low decile schools during winter. Limited literature investigates the effects of such programmes on dietary intake and classroom success in New Zealand children. Aim: To assist Manurewa South School in demonstrating the effects of FTN on dietary intake at school, and classroom success in year five and six students. Methods: Self-administered food records were completed by 82 year five and six students from Manurewa South School during one week of FTN (i.e. ‘FTN week’) and again two months after FTN’s conclusion (i.e. ‘control week’). Mean intake of energy and all macronutrients were estimated in both weeks, and compared to school-day requirements (40% of the Nutrient Reference Values). Meals offered to students by FTN were also analysed against school-day requirements. Key food sources were identified and intake was compared between the FTN and control weeks. Furthermore, attendance and classroom behaviour were analysed using the ‘Positive Behaviour 4 Learning’ screening initiative. Finally, focus groups were undertaken with three staff and six student representatives to understand perceptions of food assistance programmes available. Results: During the FTN week students consumed more energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, saturated fat and dietary fibre (p<0.05). School-day dietary fibre requirements were not met during the control week but were achieved during FTN by girls (9.13±7.39g/day). During both weeks consumption of carbohydrate, protein and saturated fat exceeded school-day recommendations. FTN meals exceeded school-day recommendations for carbohydrate, protein and saturated fat. Sources of food included the dairy, home, school, FTN and ‘other’. No difference in energy intake sourced from the home or dairy was observed between the weeks (p>0.05). Attendance rates and behaviour did not differ between the two weeks (p>0.05). Focus groups demonstrated concerns over the tenure and cultural appropriateness of FTN. Conclusions: FTN increased energy, macronutrient, and dietary fibre intakes in students. Nutritional adequacy of FTN meals should be moderated, in particular the saturated fat content. Guidelines should be established to ensure nutritionally adequate meals are served by programmes like FTN. Attendance and behaviour remained unaffected in this study. Longitudinal studies are required to determine the effects of FTN on attendance rates in school. Key Words: Feed the Need, food assistance programmes, food insecurity, nutrition, public health, South Auckland, New ZealandItem Evaluation of school lunch programme at a low-decile primary school in South Auckland : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2015) Chua, JenniferBackground: Optimal childhood nutrition is crucial as children experience rapid changes in physical, cognitive and behavioural development. However, increasing number of children is experiencing some form of malnutrition, either over- or undernutrition. Diet inadequacies during school hours need to be addressed as food choices made during lunchtime are significant contributors to their overall diet. Minimal research has been conducted in New Zealand to assess what children are consuming at schools and whether a school lunch programme will be beneficial in improving nutrition and school outcomes. Aim: To assess impacts of Feed the Need school lunch programme on children’s dietary intakes, attendance and behaviours during school hours, pre-, during and postprogramme. Methods: Primary school children aged 10-11 years (n=77) from a low-decile school in South Auckland completed daily food records during school hours, in pre-, during and post- Feed the Need timeframes. Nutritional breakdown of food records was used to examine children’s micro- and macro- nutrients intakes and most commonly consumed food items, across the timeframes. Three recipes from the programme were also analysed to determine their contribution to one-third of a child’s daily requirements. Information for attendance and behaviours were obtained from the school records. Children’s perception of the programme was examined through five Likert scale items, whereas focus group was conducted with class teachers. Results: Feed the Need meals were adequate in meeting one-third of children’s protein, folate, vitamin A, iron and zinc requirements, based on average contribution of the three meals within a week. During the programme, significant higher intakes of the same nutrients were observed (p<0.05). Energy level was inadequate whereas sodium content was elevated in these meals. Confectionery and sweet drinks were most commonly consumed during school hours. Attendance and behaviour conducts remained unaffected by the programme. However it was very well received by the children and teachers. Conclusion: The programme, upon modifications and improvement of recipes, can be a useful instrument to prevent nutrient deficiencies in childhood. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine long term benefits of adequate childhood nutrition on health and educational outcomes. Key words: school lunch programme, Feed the Need, childhood nutrition