FEATURES OF EATING BEHAVIOR OF EARLY SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL MEALS REFORM.

The aim of this study is to study the peculiarities of the eating behaviour of children of primary school age, their food preferences, choice of products and attitudes towards school meals, food habits in the choice of products and attitudes towards the school canteen in the context of the implementation of the school meal reform. Materials and methods. A large-scale medical and sociological study was conducted, which included children (5,401) of primary school age (from 6 to 10 years old) and their parents (4,347 people) from various schools in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, and Donetsk regions. The questionnaires included questions about food preferences, frequency of consumption of different foods, attitudes towards school meals and factors that influence food choices. The collected data were processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics methods in Excel. Research results indicate a significant level of awareness of the importance of a healthy diet by most children, but an insufficient level of water consumption, an insufficient understanding of the importance of nutrition for maintaining health by children, high popularity of high-carbohydrate products and a low level of satisfaction of some parents with school meals. Conclusions. The conducted analytical research revealed several educational and organizational problems related to the introduction of healthy food in schools, especially within the framework of reforming school food programs. According to the Strategy for reforming the school nutrition system, compliance with the principles of healthy nutrition, ensuring high-quality, safe and healthy nutrition, and improving the taste properties of school nutrition compliance with the principles of healthy nutrition, is extremely important for the preservation of children's health and the prevention of chronic non-infectious diseases. The results of our research indicate the need for additional educational programs for children and parents, the gradual introduction of new food standards, as well as ensuring the availability of healthy food in school canteens, and the implementation of social projects that will contribute to the formation of healthy eating habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]