Hedda Philips-Boyce | Lessons from Barbados School Nutrition Policy

The Barbados government is working to promote healthier lifestyles for children through the Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP), which was launched and implemented in 2023. This initiative aims to provide children with access to safe, nutritious food and a supportive physical school environment, addressing the growing concerns around childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases.

The BSNP was developed in response to alarming statistics indicating a significant rise in childhood obesity rates in Barbados, leading to long-term health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, approximately 30 per cent of children in Barbados are overweight, and 14 per cent are obese. Recognising the critical role schools can play in shaping children’s habits and lifestyles, the BSNP serves as a comprehensive framework to create a food environment that supports healthy choices.

SAFE FOOD AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The rationale for creating a safe food and physical environment in schools is rooted in the need to combat unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles that have become prevalent among children. With the rise of fast-food options, sugary drinks, and limited physical activity, children are increasingly at risk of developing health issues that can hinder their growth and development. The BSNP aims to reverse this trend by fostering an environment that encourages healthy eating and active living.

The policy encompasses six key pillars:

• Improving the food service environment

• Integrating healthy lifestyle education into the school curriculum

• Promoting an enjoyable physical activity environment

• Supportive health and nutrition services

• Aggressive health promotion for schools and the community

• Stimulating school recognition programmes

PROGRESS MADE SO FAR

Since the policy’s initial roll-out, some progress has been made. The chief education officer oversees the BSNP Implementation Committee, which provides leadership in realising the policy’s goals. Additionally, a Canteen Concessionaire Association has been established to liaise with the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT). This association represents ideas and concerns from colleagues, ensuring that any issues are shared with the Ministry of Education to collaboratively find a solution to the problem.

Also, secondary schools across the island have begun to adopt healthier menu options, with an emphasis on preparing nutritious meals at least twice weekly. Beverages with added sugar are no longer sold in schools. Additionally, a compliant snack list has been created with guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados. The Barbados Muslim Association and the Muslim Students Association at the Ross Medical University have been giving schools with water coolers, allowing students to drink water throughout the school day.

The METVT has partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB) and the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition (BCOP Coalition). As a result of this collaboration, some parents, students, and staff have been sensitised about the importance of adopting a healthy school environment through Parent Teacher Association meetings and the Cool School Nutrition Tours organised by the youth arm of the HSFB in partnership with the Medical (and Nutrition) Students Association at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus. These tours are weekly educational outreaches to schools across Barbados. There is also special focus on support and education for school canteen concessionaires and vendors through Free Vendor Training sessions coordinated by HSFB.

In addition to nutritional improvements, the BSNP has focused on enhancing physical environments within schools. This includes developing safe play areas, training physical education teachers to diversify physical activities, and organising national physical activity days called HYPE (Healthy Youth through Physical Activity).

Concerns

A major concern is achieving compliance from itinerant vendors, who continue to sell beverages and snacks not included on the approved list. As a result, canteen concessionaires often express frustration that the policy regulates them, but not the vendors outside the school. Additionally, some students, parents and teachers have yet to fully embrace the policy.

WAY FORWARD

The BSNP Implementation Committee through the METVT has outlined several ambitious plans to continue building on the foundation laid by the BSNP. One of the primary goals is to rebrand the school meals department by standardising nutritious, tasty dishes.

The Ministry of Education plans to implement a ‘Healthy Schools’ certification programme, which will recognise schools that meet specific nutritional and physical activity standards. This initiative is designed to incentivise schools to adopt best practices and to foster a culture of health and wellness within the school community.

The METVT in collaboration with the MHW and HSFB will roll out public communications that will further explain the importance of the School Nutrition Policy to all stakeholders. This information will be shared via the media, as well as at PTA meetings and via WhatsApp groups

As Barbados moves forward with the School Nutrition Policy, the commitment to foster a healthy generation of children remains steadfast. By prioritising nutrition and physical well-being within schools, the government is not only addressing immediate health concerns, but is also laying the groundwork for a healthier future for all Barbadians. With continued support and engagement from parents, educators, and the community, the vision of a healthier school environment can become a reality.

Hedda Philips-Boyce is an education officer at the Ministry of Education Science Technology and Innovation, Barbados (secondary section) with responsibility for healthy initiatives in schools. Send feedback to hphillipsboyce@mes.gov.bb and columns@gleanerjm.com