Three Years Later: Healthiness of Food in New Zealand Primary School Canteens Following Implementation of the Healthy Food and Drink Guidance

The guidance implementation led to modest improvements in the healthiness of school menus, particularly reducing 'amber' foods and ultra-processed snacks. The limited increase in healthy 'green' foods and the persistent presence of unhealthy 'red' foods highlight the need for further intervention. SO WHAT?: This study emphasises the importance of sustained efforts to improve the nutritional quality of school food, particularly in communities facing socioeconomic challenges. National consistency, monitoring, and feedback are needed to support policy implementation and ensure children have equitable access to healthy food at school.