International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 4 authors, 4 centres
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This descriptive qualitative study used inductive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 24 stakeholders in southern Ecuador to examine perceptions of compliance with national school canteen regulations. The central finding is that participants across all groups perceive widespread non-compliance with Ministerial Agreement 005-14, as unhealthy foods have not been eliminated and canteen owners lack support and face economic disincentives to offer healthy alternatives.
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in the southern zone of Ecuador involving 24 participants: 5 health experts, 6 school canteen owners, 7 parents, and 6 school directors. Participants agreed that many canteen owners do not fully comply with the regulation because unhealthy food sales persist and artisan food preparation lacks monitoring. Canteen owners reported that initiatives to sell healthy food led to economic losses because students sought restricted foods outside school, prompting owners to compensate by cooking fried foods and sweets. The high cost of nutritious ingredients was cited as a barrier.
