‘It's just so much waste.’ A qualitative investigation of food waste in a universal free School Breakfast Program

May combine two claims.

Stakeholders perceived food waste as a problem and expressed concern regarding the amount of food wasted.

“Stakeholders perceived food waste as a problem and expressed concern regarding the amount of food wasted.”

• Also stated in: § Abstract · plain

  “Stakeholders recognized food waste as a problem, reported myriad contributing factors, and have considered and employed multiple and diverse mitigation strategies.”

May combine two claims.

Explanations reported for food waste included food-related (palatability and accessibility), child-related (taste preferences and satiation) and programme-related (duration, food service policies, and coordination) factors.

“Explanations reported for food waste included food-related (palatability and accessibility), child-related (taste preferences and satiation) and programme-related (duration, food service policies, and coordination) factors.”

• Also stated in: § Explanations for food waste · plain

  “The phenomenon of food waste was attributed to three explanatory factors: (i) food-related; (ii) child-related; and (iii) programme-related.”

May combine two claims.

Several food waste mitigation strategies were identified by participants: saving food for later, actively encouraging children's consumption, assisting children with foods during mealtime, increasing staff support, serving smaller portion sizes, and composting and donating uneaten food.

“Several food waste mitigation strategies were identified by participants: saving food for later, actively encouraging children's consumption, assisting children with foods during mealtime, increasing staff support, serving smaller portion sizes, and composting and donating uneaten food.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Three overarching themes were identified: participant perceptions and attitudes towards food waste; explanations for food waste; and strategies to mitigate food waste.

“Three overarching themes were identified: (i) participant perceptions and attitudes towards food waste; (ii) explanations for food waste; and (iii) strategies to mitigate food waste.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Participants suggested serving smaller portion sizes, especially for younger students, as a mitigation strategy.

“Other participants corroborated this suggestion, commenting on the quantity of food being too great, especially for younger students.”

May combine two claims.

Satiation was attributed to uniform portion sizes across K-5 grade levels, which may be inappropriately large for younger children, and to eating at home before school.

“This physiological response was attributed to uniform portion sizes across K-5 grade levels, which may be inappropriately large for younger children, and to eating at home before school.”

May combine two claims.

Programme-related explanations for food waste included meal duration, food service policies (including reimbursement and OVS rules), and coordination.

“Logistical and structural characteristics of the programme discussed as contributors to food waste included meal duration, policies (including reimbursement and OVS rules) and coordination.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

Increased participation rates resulted in overall increases in the total amount of waste.

“others noted that increased participation rates resulted in overall increases in the total amount waste.”

May combine two claims.

While programme rules dictate the number of food items a child must select to qualify as a reimbursable meal, the student ultimately decides how much of each food item to consume, making individual taste preferences and appetite strong determinants of waste.

“While programme rules dictate the number of food items a child must select to qualify as a reimbursable meal, the student ultimately decides how much of each food item to consume, making individual taste preferences and appetite strong determinants of waste”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The total amount of waste varied considerably by grade level and menu offerings.

“Others recognized that the total amount of waste varied considerably by grade level and menu offerings.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The possibility of diverting leftover food for productive uses was recognized.

“Finally, the possibility of diverting leftover food for productive uses was recognized.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Although analyses were not stratified, no differences or patterns in responses by school or focus group language were apparent.

“Although analyses were not stratified, no differences or patterns in responses by school or focus group language were apparent.”

The quote only partly states this claim.

Participants generally agreed that waste per programme participant had decreased in the BIC delivery model compared with the previous traditional model served in the cafeteria.

“participants generally agreed that waste per programme participant had decreased.”

May combine two claims.

Stakeholders mentioned that perishable and packaged foods were received in expired or deteriorated conditions on multiple occasions, and such foods provoked scepticism and mass disposal.

“stakeholders mentioned both perishable and packaged foods received in expired or deteriorated conditions on multiple occasions.”

• Also stated in: § Perishability. · plain

  “Foods in such conditions were cited as provoking participant scepticism and mass disposal.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

Teachers employed games and persuasion tactics to encourage students to consume food, but recognized limitations.

“Teachers also commented on efforts to encourage students to consume food, employing games and persuasion tactics in their pursuits to prevent waste.”

• Also stated in: § Satiation. · plain

  “However, other teachers recognized its limitations, as one remarked: 'They're not even drinking their milk, and I'm really pushing, you need some protein to start the day.'”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Milk waste was perceived as resulting from children's general distaste for milk, particularly plain milk after chocolate milk was no longer offered.

“participants reported milk waste as subject to daily disposal, perceiving its waste as resulting from children's general distaste for it.”

• Also stated in: § Child-related · hedged

  “Another cafeteria manager attributed students' rejection to a distaste for plain milk specifically: '… They only have white milk.… that's why I think some of the kids don't like to drink their milk, because it's just plainjust white milk and before, they had chocolate milk, and when they had chocolate milk, they were crazy about that milk.They love that milk.Yes.'”

May combine two claims.

In our study, milk waste was attributed to perishability and students' distaste for the beverage.

“In our study, milk waste was attributed to perishability and students' distaste for the beverage.”

May combine two claims.

Compared with when breakfast was served in the cafeteria, stakeholders perceive waste per student to have decreased, despite general agreement that the total amount of waste had increased as a result of increased BIC SBP participation.

“Our findings suggest that, compared with when breakfast was served in the cafeteria, stakeholders perceive waste per student to have decreased, despite general agreement that the total amount of waste had increased as a result of increased BIC SBP participation.”

May combine two claims.

Fruit's perishability and inaccessibility were noted as consumption barriers.

“While participants in our study reported that fruit was generally well liked, its perishability and inaccessibility were noted as consumption barriers and serving pre-packaged, cut fruit compromised acceptability.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Previous research suggests that food waste in US public schools is substantial in magnitude and value.

“Previous research suggests that food waste in US public schools is substantial in magnitude and value (8,16,17) .”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

No studies have thoroughly investigated diverse stakeholders' perceptions of, attitudes towards or reactions to food waste in the SBP.

“Yet no studies have thoroughly investigated diverse stakeholders' perceptions of, attitudes towards or reactions to food waste in the SBP.”

May combine two claims.

In a regional study in Milwaukee, WI, about half (52%) of selected food items were fully consumed and younger children disposed of greater quantities of food than older children.

“In a regional study in Milwaukee, WI, the quantity of food waste in a universal free BIC model of the SBP was observed, revealing that about half (52 %) of selected food items were fully consumed and that younger children disposed of greater quantities of food than older children (31) .”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

These studies provide evidence of food waste within the SBP, but neither explored stakeholders' perspectives about the waste.

“These studies provide evidence of food waste within the SBP, but neither explored stakeholders' perspectives about the waste.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

All dialogue was recorded, with the exception of one Spanish-speaking focus group due to recorder failure.

“All dialogue was recorded, with the exception of one Spanish-speaking focus group (due to recorder failure).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The study was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Tufts University Institutional Review Board and the school district's Committee for External Research Review Chair.

“The study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Tufts University Institutional Review Board and by the school district's Committee for External Research Review Chair.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Research personnel summarized responses aloud to participants during each session and debriefed as a group afterwards to corroborate results.

“Research personnel summarized responses aloud to participants during each session and debriefed as a group afterwards to corroborate results.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Research staff were recruited and trained on study protocols prior to data collection in 2013.

“Research staff were recruited and trained on study protocols prior to data collection in 2013.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Findings from the NSLP offer several potential strategies to reduce waste, including extending eating time, increasing the variety of offerings, serving lunch after recess, improving meal quality, allowing children to serve themselves and serving fruit in ready-to-eat forms.

“Findings from the NSLP offer several potential strategies to reduce waste (8) : extending eating time (23) , increasing the variety of offerings (24,47) , serving lunch after recess (21,22) , improving meal quality (16) , allowing children to serve themselves (19,20) and serving fruit in ready-to-eat forms (25,48) .”

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May combine two claims.

Menu deviation could increase food waste if children are unexpectedly served less favourable items, or if they eat at home to safeguard against uncertainty and are consequently less hungry.

“Therefore, menu deviation could increase food waste if children are unexpectedly served less favourable items, or if they eat at home to safeguard against uncertainty and are consequently less hungry.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Notes and observations made during data collection were cross-referenced.

“Notes and observations made during data collection were then cross-referenced.”

May combine two claims.

Explanations for food waste interact on multiple levels and, together with perceptions of food waste, inform mitigation efforts and ideas.

“While parsed into distinct themes for the current analysis, it is evident that explanations for food waste interact on multiple levels and, together with perceptions of food waste, inform mitigation efforts and ideas (Fig. 2).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Themes were independently identified by two analysts; results were compared and discrepancies discussed until mutual agreement was reached.

“These themes were independently identified by two analysts; results were compared and discrepancies discussed until mutual agreement was reached.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Six trained analysts established inter-rater reliability with a senior analyst (≥80% agreement) on three randomly selected transcripts.

“Six trained analysts then established inter-rater reliability with a senior analyst (≥80 % agreement) on three randomly selected transcripts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Instruments underwent further refinement following pilot testing with ChildObesity180 staff and children participating in the BIC SNP in Somerville, MA.

“Instruments underwent further refinement following pilot testing with ChildObesity180 staff and children participating in the BIC SNP in Somerville, MA.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Because the district serves a high percentage of underserved children, findings have implications for those at greatest need.

“Because the district serves a high percentage of underserved children, findings have implications for those at greatest need.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The majority of children in the USA fail to meet national guidelines for fruit consumption by considerable margins.

“The majority of children in the USA fail to meet national guidelines for fruit consumption by considerable margins (57,59) .”

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May combine two claims.

The quality of fresh fruit may affect consumption by altering its palatability, and children may be especially sensitive to sensory characteristics of fruit.

“The quality of fresh fruit may also affect consumption by altering its palatability and children may be especially sensitive to sensory characteristics of fruit (64) .”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Offering non-dairy milks may increase acceptability.

“With more than half of US children expected to be of Hispanic, Black or Asian decent by 2019 (68) , populations at increased risk for lactose malabsorption and intolerance (69)(70)(71) , offering non-dairy milks may increase acceptability.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Inclusion of English-and Spanish-speaking parents expands the generalizability of findings.

“Furthermore, inclusion of English-and Spanish-speaking parents expands the generalizability of findings.”

May combine two claims.

Although efforts were made to achieve district representativeness, the study relied upon a non-random sample, which may limit its external validity.

“First, although efforts were made to achieve district representativeness, the study relied upon a non-random sample, which may limit its external validity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Even within the SBP, each delivery model, further differentiated by cost structure, faces unique waste challenges.

“Even within the SBP, each delivery model, further differentiated by cost structure, faces unique waste challenges.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Each SBP delivery model, further differentiated by cost structure, faces unique waste challenges.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Tufts University Institutional Review Board and by the school district's Committee for External Research Review Chair.

“The study was conducted according to the guidelines laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, and all procedures involving human subjects were approved by the Tufts University Institutional Review Board and by the school district's Committee for External Research Review Chair.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Since the study schools had recently adopted the BIC model, food waste may have been greater and more variable than might be expected following adjustment.

“Second, since the study schools had recently adopted the BIC model, food waste may have been greater and more variable than might be expected following adjustment.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Since the present study took place in a single district implementing a universal free BIC model, results may not generalize to other BIC models and/or to other SBP programmes.

“Since the present study took place in a single district implementing a universal free BIC model, results may not generalize to other BIC models and/or to other SBP programmes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Increasing the variety of produce offered to students within a meal may increase fruit consumption and reduce waste by increasing choice.

“Previous findings demonstrate that increasing the variety of produce offered to students within a meal may increase fruit consumption and reduce waste by increasing choice (8,24,(60)(61)(62)(63) .”

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May combine two claims.

The single other breakfast-specific plate waste study observationally estimated waste in a summer breakfast programme; milk and fruit were wasted in the highest proportions at 38% and 31%, respectively.

“The single other breakfast-specific plate waste study observationally estimated waste in a summer breakfast programme; milk and fruit were wasted in the highest proportions at 38 % and 31 %, respectively (50) .”

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May combine two claims.

Nutrition standards limiting fat content may have had the unintended consequences of decreasing consumption and increasing waste.

“While improving the nutritional profile of the milk meal component, nutrition standards limiting fat content may have had the unintended consequences of decreasing consumption and increasing waste (47,66,67) .”

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May combine two claims.

Although milk is required to be offered to every student at every school meal, the majority of school-age children fail to meet dairy consumption recommendations.

“Although milk is required to be offered to every student at every school meal, the majority of school-age children fail to meet dairy consumption recommendations (56,65) .”

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• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Milk is required to be offered to every student at every school meal.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The analysis is embedded within a larger qualitative exploration of stakeholder perceptions of BIC; while questions in the data collection instruments related specifically to food waste, additional and more focused questions and probes have more fully captured the phenomenon's complexity, including detail about its occurrence and mitigation strategies.

“Finally, the analysis is embedded within a larger qualitative exploration of stakeholder perceptions of BIC; while questions in the data collection instruments related specifically to food waste, additional and more focused questions and probes have more fully captured the phenomenon's complexity, including detail about its occurrence and mitigation strategies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

More than half of US children are expected to be of Hispanic, Black or Asian descent by 2019.

“With more than half of US children expected to be of Hispanic, Black or Asian decent by 2019 (68) , populations at increased risk for lactose malabsorption and intolerance (69)(70)(71) , offering non-dairy milks may increase acceptability.”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Written and/or verbal informed consent was obtained from all adult participants and informed assent was obtained from children.

“Written and/or verbal informed consent was obtained from all adult participants and informed assent was obtained from children.”