CALIDAD NUTRICIONAL DE LOS MENÚS EN BARES ESCOLARES DE LAS UNIDADES EDUCATIVAS DEL CANTÓN SALCEDO. UN ESTUDIO PARA MEJORAR LA ALIMENTACIÓN ESCOLAR.

Abstract

School nutrition plays a fundamental role in the growth, development, and well-being of children and adolescents, as it directly influences the formation of eating habits and their nutritional status. In this context, school food kiosks represent important spaces within the educational environment where students regularly access food during the school day. Therefore, evaluating the nutritional quality of the menus offered in these settings is essential to ensure adequate nutrition that contributes to the overall development of the student population. The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional quality of the menus offered in school kiosks of educational institutions in the Salcedo canton, in order to determine their nutritional adequacy and propose recommendations aimed at improving school nutrition. The study was conducted using a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach. A total of 30 food preparations from public, private, and municipal educational institutions were analyzed. The nutritional composition of each preparation was determined by estimating portion sizes and calculating energy contribution and macronutrient distribution using food composition tables. The results showed significant variability in the nutritional quality of the evaluated menus. Several preparations presented a high energy content mainly associated with carbohydrates and fats, as well as a limited inclusion of protein-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables. These findings reveal nutritional imbalances within part of the food offerings available to students.