Assessing Success of Healthy Meals in Schools Programme in Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the outcome-based indicators and data collection used to assess the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP) in cultivating healthy eating habits. Mr Fadli Fawzi inquired whether the Health Promotion Board (HPB) tracks student eating habits and collects data regarding food consumption rates or plate waste. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung responded that HPB tracks broad habits under Grow Well SG rather than isolating HMSP outcomes, making specific attribution difficult. He stated that HPB does not collect data on plate waste but ensures guideline compliance through regular engagement and the provision of resources like toolkits. HPB continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and stakeholders to review and strengthen the programme for better student support.
Transcript
26 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what outcome-based indicators does the Health Promotion Board (HPB) use to assess whether the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme is achieving its objective of cultivating healthy eating habits among students; and (b) whether HPB collects data on actual food consumption rates or plate waste in schools under the Programme.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Healthy Meals in Schools programme (HMSP) is part of a broader suite of school-based efforts which complement Grow Well SG to cultivate healthy eating habits from young, such as nutrition education and parent engagement initiatives. As it would not be straightforward to attribute outcomes to the programme in isolation, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) tracks more broadly the eating habits of students under Grow Well SG.
HPB does not collect data on actual food consumption rates or plate waste in schools under the programme. HPB engages regularly with schools and canteen vendors to ensure that meals served continue to meet the required guidelines and incorporates their feedback to refine the implementation of the guidelines. HPB also provides resources, such as the HMSP Toolkit for Schools, which includes sample recipes using healthier ingredients and cooking methods.
HPB will continue to work with stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Education, schools and canteen vendors to strengthen and review the programme and better support students in developing healthy eating habits.