Evaluation and improvement of the nutritional value of meals and student satisfaction with menu changes at an extended learning site

ABSTRACTA study was conducted at a government-funded trade/continuation school to assess student satisfaction with meals, body mass indexes, and potential food insecurity status. Seventy-four students participated in a two-part survey and plate waste study of original cafeteria meals including a modified version. Seventy-three percent of the students surveyed were overweight/obese and over half were considered food insecure. Sixty-one percent of the students reported preferring the original cafeteria meal over the modified version, the difference in consumption being only 8.5%. Many individuals with body mass indexes over 30.0, reported overconsumption possibly due to food insecurity.