Perspective of vendors, grade six and seven learners and school governing bodies on the sale of snacks in selected primary schools of Dimamo Circuit, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Most school food environments in low socioeconomic countries offer cheaper unhealthy snacks of low nutritional value. Generally, these defeat the aims and goals of the National School Nutrition Programmes that offers nutritionally balanced meals to enhance concentration and learning. These unhealthy snacks that are available in school food environments have the ability to promote food choices that may lead to early onset of obesity and diseases of the lifestyle. The creation of healthy school food environments should be observed as a fundamental priority and a responsibility to all stakeholders with the necessary powers. Objectives: The study explored the perspective of school vendors, learners and school governing bodies on snack sale in selected primary schools of Dimamo circuit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory descriptive study was conducted on the perspectives of vendors, learners and school governing bodies on the sale of snacks in selected primary schools of Dimamo circuit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were collected with 69 participants using a semi-structured questionnaire in one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions at three public schools in the Dimamo circuit. Criteria for trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the study. Ethical principles were adhered to in order to ensure the ethical standards of the study. Findings: A negative perception regarding the sale of snacks was found by both the learners and school governing bodies. However, the vendors were reluctant to raise their views with regard to the snacks sold in schools despite them being aware of the diseases experienced, such as ringworms, rash and vomiting. Improved hygiene practices and sale of healthy snacks was suggested by learners while drawing of a school food policy was seen as a last resort to improve the school food environment. Conclusion: A negative perception towards unhealthy snacks exists among the learners and teachers as they have been disruption in teaching and learning; due to random absenteeism associated with ailments allegedly caused by consumption of unhealthy snacks. However, the vendors reported learners’ preference for the sale of unhealthy snacks viii over the healthy ones due to cost. Furthermore,the vendors reported that the provision of free fruits by the NSNP in school was a challenge. Lack of cooperation, accountability and responsibility amongst the School Governing Bodies (SGB) and vendors were a barrier to facilitating a healthy food environment.