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Enabling Food Environment in Kindergartens and Schools in Iran for Promoting Healthy Diet: Is It on the Right Track?

Author

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  • Nasrin Omidvar

    (Department of Community Nutrition, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center) and Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1981619573, Iran)

  • Mina Babashahi

    (Department of Community Nutrition, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center) and Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1981619573, Iran)

  • Zahra Abdollahi

    (Department of Nutrition, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran 1467664961, Iran)

  • Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh

    (World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo 11371, Egypt)

Abstract

Enabling policies related to kindergarten and school food environments can be effective approaches in preventing childhood obesity. This study investigated policies and/or programs with direct or indirect effects on the food environment in kindergartens and schools in Iran. In this scoping review, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of science, as well as Iranian scientific search engines, including Scientific Information Database and Magiran from January 1990 to October 2020, to identify literature on policies/programs affecting the food environment in kindergartens and schools in Iran. A total of 30 studies and policy documents were included in this review relevant to eight policies/programs. These programs have helped to control food availability in schools, increase nutritional awareness, positively influence physical function and school performances, and reduce malnutrition in rural kindergartens. However, improving the food environment in schools and kindergartens requires proper revisions and local adaptation of many of these policies, strengthening of cross-sectoral collaborations, provision of necessary financial and human resources, and ensuring regular monitoring and evaluation. Reflecting on Iran’s health policies and interventions provides insight into the progress achieved and challenges faced. Lessons can benefit the country itself, as well as other countries with similar contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Nasrin Omidvar & Mina Babashahi & Zahra Abdollahi & Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, 2021. "Enabling Food Environment in Kindergartens and Schools in Iran for Promoting Healthy Diet: Is It on the Right Track?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4114-:d:535593
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Choi, Seul Ki & Frongillo, Edward A. & Blake, Christine E. & Thrasher, James F., 2019. "Why are restricted food items still sold after the implementation of the school store policy? the case of South Korea," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 161-169.
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    1. Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh & Dana Matbouli & Sarah Diab & Mandy Taktouk & Leila Hojeij & Sally Naalbandian & Lara Nasreddine, 2023. "School-Based Nutrition Programs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-28, November.

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