Effect of type of packaging on acceptability and volume of solid waste for the milk component in school food service programs
1990
Hollingsworth, M. | Shanklin, C. | Gench, B. | Hinson, M.
The purposes of this study, were to determine the acceptability and consumption of milk packaged in polyethylene (PE) pouches and to compare the weight and volume of solid waste generated by two types of packaging materials: gable-top cartons and PE pouches. Data on meal participation and service waste were collected in six schools during 10 days of the baseline (gable-top cartons) and 10 days of intervention (PE pouches) phases. Food and milk waste were sorted, and the weight and volume were measured for each meal period. Student acceptability of the PE pouches was assessed using a five-point hedonic scale ranging from one for poor to five for great. The mean acceptability rating for the 3,303 students in grades K-8 was 3.68. Males rated acceptability of the PE pouches higher (3.71) than females (3.66), however, this difference in ratings was not statistically significant. The majority of the principals and food service managers responded positively to the introduction of the PE pouches. Participation rate and total weight of milk consumed increased slightly during the intervention period, but not significantly. The volume of waste decreased significantly (p < .01) at breakfast and lunch during the intervention phase. Introduction of polyethylene pouches could reduce volume and cost of solid waste disposal.
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