Assessing the Influence of Caterers’ Nutrition Knowledge on the Dietary Behaviours of Children in Selected Primary Schools in Ghana

This study examines the dietary behavior of primary school children and the nutrition knowledge of caterers in selected schools in Ghana. Focusing on the beneficiary and non-beneficiary schools of the National School Feeding Programme (NSFP), the research investigates how school meal programmes influence children’s eating habits and the role caterers’ nutrition knowledge plays in providing balanced meals. Data were collected from 174 pupils and 10 caterers using questionnaires and diet history. Results reveal that children in beneficiary schools were likelier to consume breakfast, lunch, and supper at the recommended times than their peers in non-beneficiary schools. Caterers in beneficiary schools demonstrated a good understanding of nutritional concepts, with 60% of them scoring above moderate in nutrition knowledge. The study highlights the critical role that school feeding programmes and informed caterers play in improving children’s dietary habits, with implications for policy improvement in school meal planning and caterer training programmes.