Health impact assessment (HIA): St Mungo’s Academy, Glasgow

There is evidence that improvement in nutrition-related health in children in economically developed countries can be achieved through the provision of healthier school meals. Moreover, healthy school food policy and practice provides an important vehicle to develop children and young people’s understanding and motivation regarding healthy eating.

 
Scotland is one of a few Western countries that have introduced compulsory nutrient-based standards for school meals through the enactment of the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) Act 2007. Concurrent Health Impact Assessments have therefore been carried out in two schools in Glasgow to assess the new lunch time experience of school pupils and teachers in two schools in Glasgow.

 
Recommendations from these HIAs have informed secondary school meal provision in each of the schools and collaborative work with pupils to improve and enhance their lunchtime experience.