Effects of the Dutch Jump-in school nutrition policy intervention on children’s at-school dietary behavior

Abstract Aim This study evaluates the effects of the Dutch “Jump-in” health-promoting school program on the at-school dietary behaviors of primary school children, predominantly in Amsterdam’s schools and city areas with high childhood overweight and obesity rates. Subject and methods We compared whether children in primary schools in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, that implemented the Jump-in program consumed more water, milk, fruit, vegetables, and whole-wheat bread, and less sweetened beverages, white bread, and unhealthy snacks 2 years after versus prior to implementation. Food and drinks brought to and consumed at school were assessed objectively via photographs and via parent and child questionnaires. Results Children’s food and drinks were photographed at baseline ( n = 2847) and follow-up ( n = 2718). Additionally, 1717 parent and 1170 child questionnaires were completed at baseline, and 1223 parent and 1161 child questionnaires at follow-up. All investigated dietary variables had improved at follow-up: the photographs showed higher consumption of fruit (odds ratio [OR] 4.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.55–4.92), vegetables (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.51–2.07), water (OR 5.52, 95% CI 4.74–6.43), milk (OR 1.27 95% CI 1.07–1.53) and whole-wheat bread (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.95–2.60), and less sweetened beverages (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.06–0.09), white bread (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.45–0.60), and unhealthy snacks (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.34–0.46). Similar changes were observed across questionnaires, except for parent-reported milk consumption. Conclusion A health-promoting school nutrition policy intervention such as that of Jump-in can benefit children’s at-school dietary behaviors, and thus holds promise for reducing childhood socioeconomic health disparities.