Assessment on the Canteen Services in All Central Schools of Catarman: Basis in the Design of a Model Canteen

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the food canteen services in all Central Schools of Catarman as a basis for designing a model canteen. Furthermore, it aimed to document the profile of the school canteen staff and experiences in handling food preparation and its source of capitalization. This study tried to find out the problems encountered by school canteens and determine the performance of school canteen services in terms of food standards, access to healthy and safe food, and regulation on the marketing of unhealthy foods. Survey questionnaires were distributed to the different central schools in Catarman. The gathered data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and yielded these findings. School canteens in the central schools of Catarman are mostly managed and funded by the schools themselves. The financial support status of the school canteens is fairly attained same with the menu, food preparation practices, and facilities. Serious problems met are on facilities and food while management, services, and policy are oftentimes problems. On the performance of the canteen services, it was found out that the food standard is high quality. This implies that the food offered promotes healthy eating habits. On the other hand, access to healthful and safe food and the regulation of marketing of unhealthful foods is moderately achieved, thus, continued support for the implementation is needed.