A pilot study using digital photography to compare nutritional content of bag lunches brought from home by elementary school students to standards of the National School Lunch Program

Background. Research existing on the components and characteristics of bag lunches is minimal. This study looks at both (1) the most common components of bag lunches brought from home; and (2) nutritional content of these lunches looking specifically at key nutrients and comparing them to current standards of the National School Lunch Program.;Methods. Thirty-four sack lunches were photographed and analyzed in three local elementary schools.;Results. This study finds the most common components of bag lunches to be a sandwich, observed in 90% of the lunches. Lunches containing fruits were more common (64%) than those containing vegetables (11%). Chips (50%) and snacks (64%) were seen more often than cookies or candy (38%). Nearly all lunches were accompanied by a beverage (76%). A key nutrient recommendation never met under any analysis was calcium. Results also revealed females met more nutrient standards overall when compared to males.;Conclusion. More research in this area is warranted in order to gain a better understanding of this target population's dietary practices and how they may be improved upon.