Nutritional content and quality of food consumed at recess and lunchtime by 5-8-year-olds

Background: One in 4 children are overweight or obese and many do not meet the required fruit and vegetable intake of the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Aim: To systematically examine the international literature on the nutritional content and quality of meals consumed at recess and lunchtime of primary school children between the age of 5 and 8 years. Method: A systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles published in English with no date restriction placed on publication. Findings: Nine studies met the search criteria. Eight studies reported on packed lunches, 4 studies on school prepared lunches and 3 studies on a combination of packed and school prepared food. The majority of food consumed was in excess or short of the countries’ recommended guidelines of food groups and nutrients. Conclusions: Further study is required to develop a means of improving the problem of not meeting the guidelines of food groups and nutrient consumption.