Food environment: drinking water availability and kiosks access at public schools in Buenos Aires province

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The school environment plays an important role in the prevention of malnutrition in childhood. The objective was to evaluate the availability of drinking water in the kitchen, the supply at lunchtime and during the school day, and the presence of the kiosks at public schools in Buenos Aires province, based on food provision and unsatisfied basic needs (UBN). METHODS: A post-hoc analysis of the 2016-2019 School Food Service Survey was conducted. It included 3342 early childhood, primary and secondary schools. Kitchen water supply, drinking water sources for students, beverage at lunch and kiosk availability were assessed. Variables were analyzed by educational level and stratified according to food provision. A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: About 1% (n=30) of the schools did not have drinking water in the kitchen, and no percentage differences were observed by benefit or UBN tertile. Ten percent of schools did not offer any beverage at lunch, and 7 out of 10 did not have an accessible source of drinking water; 4 out of 10 primary and secondary schools had a kiosk. When assessed by UBN, the proportion of schools with kiosks decreased as the tertile increased. DISCUSSION: It is essential to generate policies to regulate the school environment with a comprehensive and systemic approach in order to prevent malnutrition in the most vulnerable child population.