Evaluation of Big Eat In Pilot

Topic | Health & Lifestyle
Researcher | Andy MacGregor

About this study

The Big Eat In pilot is aimed at encouraging Secondary 1 (S1) pupils to stay within school at lunchtime, enjoy a healthy school lunch and have the opportunity to take part in a lunchtime activity (e.g. football, dance and relaxation classes).

The pilot started in eight secondary schools in Glasgow in August 2009 and ran for the full school year, ending in June 2010.

School meal uptake has been falling in Secondary schools, and evidence has shown that many pupils are eating very large portions of unhealthy food from fast-food outlets instead.

We were commissioned to conduct this evaluation by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health in May 2009.

Potential policy impact

As a result of this pilot, school meal uptake increased among S1 pupils, and the eight pilot schools are continuing to run the Big Eat In. In addition, 7 other  schools in Glasgow have also now adopted stay on site lunchtime policies for S1 pupils.

Methods

This is a mixed methods study, using a pre- and post design. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with pupils, parents and school staff. Quantitative school meal uptake data was collected in the 8 pilot and 2 control schools. Observational research of the school canteen and the environment outside the school at lunchtime was also carried out.