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Interventions to Strengthen Environmental Sustainability of School Food Systems: Narrative Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Grace Gardner

    (Public Health Department, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH, UK)

  • Wendy Burton

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK)

  • Maddie Sinclair

    (School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK)

  • Maria Bryant

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
    Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK)

Abstract

School food systems play a role in the wider food system, but there is a scarcity of literature exploring interventions that aim to improve the environmental sustainability of school food systems. The present review aimed to understand and describe the types of interventions that have previously been explored to strengthen the sustainability of school food systems along with their impact. We applied a scoping review methodology guided by Arksey and O’Malley, which included a review of the online database Scopus and the grey literature. Information relating to intervention design, study population, evaluation method and impact were extracted. In total, 6016 records were screened for eligibility, 24 of which were eligible for inclusion. The most common types of interventions were school lunch menus designed to be more sustainable; school food waste reduction; sustainable food system education using school gardens; and dietary interventions with added environmental components. This review highlights a range of interventions which could positively influence the environmental sustainability of school food systems. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of such interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Grace Gardner & Wendy Burton & Maddie Sinclair & Maria Bryant, 2023. "Interventions to Strengthen Environmental Sustainability of School Food Systems: Narrative Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:11:p:5916-:d:1153230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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