[Snack breaks in primary and vocational schools of the Rems-Murr district]

The aim of this study was to collect data on catering at break in primary schools as a basis for planning health promotion activities. To meet this aim the principals of all schools were interviewed and the snacks and drinks that were sold at break were recorded in a checklist. The results show, that in 27.4% of the schools snacks or drinks were sold that cause damage to dental health or are not recommended for general health. Moreover nutritious products as school milk, wholemeal bread and fruits were frequently not available. In 55.8% of the schools no snacks and in 37.3% of them no drinks were sold at all. In 51% of the schools the children had the opportunity to have breakfast together in the classroom. The selling of not recommended snacks and drinks should be banned from schools, because they rather make healthy choices more difficult than easier and therefore undermine the effectiveness of health education. To change eating habits continuous and long-standing activities concerning breakfast at school are recommended.