A study was carried out to identify food preferences with respect to gender of school-age children and adolescents in an Ohio school district.
A survey was administered to 1818 3rd- to 12th-grade students in rural northeast Ohio school district. Students filled out an anonymous questionnaire about their preferences for 80 different foods.
It was found that boys preferred the meat, fish, and poultry foods over girls whereas girls preferred fruits and vegetables over boys. Furthermore, gender differences in preferences were also demonstrated with respect to school level.
“We can assert that food preferences differed between genders and these gender differences varied among elementary, middle, and high school students. Gender differences should be considered when providing food choices to boys and girls at all ages,” commented the School, which went on to say:
“Schools have the opportunity, through the US National School Lunch Programme and Local School Wellness Policies, to have a significant impact on healthy eating behaviours. An understanding of children’s and adolescents’ food preferences in relation to gender and age facilitate the successful creation of both healthy and financially viable school menus.”
References: Gender differences in food preferences of school-aged children and adolescents. Caine-Bish NL, Scheule B.
Source: School of Health Sciences, Kent State University
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