(P24-053-24) Perceptions of School Food Vendors on Food Choices of Junior High School Students in Cape Coast, Ghana

Objectives: During adolescence, Junior High School (JHS) students gain increasing autonomy over their food choice and their decisions are influenced by vendors who sell food at school. In turn, their choices influence vendors’ decisions about foods to sell. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence student food choices at school and how and what food vendors choose to sell on the school premises.

Methods: We conducted 4 focus group discussions with 8-10 purposively selected school food vendors from 4 JHSs in Cape Coast, Ghana. A semi-structured discussion guide was used to understand vendors’ perceptions of JHS student food choices, influences on the foods sold, and opinions on the national school feeding program. The sessions were led by a trained facilitator in the local dialect (Fante). The sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

Results: Most food vendors agreed JHS students preferred rice dishes, beans and fried plantain, sugar-sweetened beverages, and snacks because of the taste and satiety value. Peers and good vendor-student relationships also influenced students’ food choices. They perceived parental influence and financial constraints played a lesser role. While student preferences often influenced vendors’ decisions on foods sold, the costs and availability of foods had minimal impact, with many vendors reporting selling at a loss. School authorities often dictated which foods were permitted, but it did not always align with student preferences. This led to a major challenge for vendors: students buying food from outside the school canteen. While some school food vendors thought introducing the school feeding program at the JHS level would help students have access to adequate food, others suggested the meals were of low quality and quantity and would negatively impact their sales.

Conclusions: Vendors perceived that students preferred foods that satisfied them and were well-liked by their peers. If school food policies are not aligned with student preferences, students may obtain food from outside the school canteen. Including students and vendors in the decision-making process may encourage healthy eating among JHS students and deter students from purchasing elsewhere.

Funding Sources: NIH FIC & OBSSR, UC Global Health Institute, Fulbright US Student Program