Dietitian's Perception and Purchasing Pattern of Fruits in School Lunch Menu: Focus on Apples and Pears

Seo, Sun Hee; Jang, Jung Hee

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify dietitians' perception and purchasing pattern of fruits in elementary school lunch program. This study was conducted using mail survey from September 15 to October 30, 2006. Survey questionnaire was developed based on in-depth interview with three school food service dietitians. A total of 100 school food service dietitians in Seoul were participated. Based on the frequency analysis results, over half of respondents(69%) provides fruits every week, and 23% of respondents provides them twice a week. Strawberry, watermelon, apple, and mandarin were identified as the most frequently served fruits in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, respectively. Sixty two percent of respondents indicated they offered imported fruits, such as banana and pineapple, less than 10% of total fruits. Ninety three percent of respondents selected private contract when they purchase fruits, and forty four percent of dietitians decided fruits purchasing procedure by themselves. Respondents addressed "Apples and Pears were appropriate for a dessert." and "Apples and Pears supply nutrition such as calorie and vitamin." as the advantages of offering apples and pears in school lunch menu. They also indicated difficulty in preparation work and many leftovers as the disadvantages of offering apples and pears. When purchasing apples and pears, dietitians considered taste as the first criteria and price as the second. Respondents perceived that elementary school students preferred apples and pears in a neutral level. Respondents also had higher preference for an-sim apples which can be eaten without peeling for school lunch menu and higher intentions to provide in school lunch menu. The survey results also found that respondents' intention to offer apples in school lunch menu was higher than intentions to offer pears. The implications to increase the chance of fruits offering in school lunch menu were discussed.