INTRODUCTION:

To reduce the incidence and prevalence of diseases related to eating habits, the School Diet Optimization Project was implemented, which aims to contribute to a school food supply in line with the premises of healthy eating.

OBJECTIVES:

To compare qualitatively and quantitatively the school food supply related to the lunch meal considering direct and concession management models.

METHODOLOGY:

Observational cross-sectional study. The School Diet Optimization Project, implemented in 34 public schools in the district of Viana do Castelo, aims to guarantee the offer of varied, normoenergetic, and nutritionally balanced meals that guarantee hygiene and food safety criteria. Data corresponding to one month of each school, between 2014 and 2019, was analyzed.

RESULTS:

School canteens under direct management fulfilled a higher percentage (82%), on a median, of qualitative criteria of the School Diet Optimization Project, compared to those under concession management (p = 0,022). All canteens with direct management complied with the required frequency of offering fish rich in omega 3 (ω3). These canteens used a greater amount of fat and saturated fat compared to those under concession management (p = 0,030 and 0,040, respectively). The opposite occurred in fiber supply (p = 0,016).

CONCLUSIONS:

Considering the qualitative assessment, the school canteens under direct management met the School Diet Optimization Project criteria better and offered fish rich in ω3 with greater frequency than those under concession management. Quantitatively, canteens under concession offered meals with lower amounts of fat and saturated fat and higher amounts of fiber.

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