Canteen Management in Public Elementary Schools in the District of Teresa, Division of Rizal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The school environment can enhance children's skills, knowledge and behaviors in relation to healthy eating. However, in many countries, unhealthy foods are commonly available in schools, and children can be exposed to poor canteen management. Taking the perspective of participants, this study aimed to assess the status of canteen management in public elementary schools in the District of Teresa, Division of Rizal.

METHODS

The descriptive survey research design was used in the study and it utilized a researcher-made questionnaire-checklist as the main instrument in gathering the needed data for assessing the status of canteen management with respect to food service management, human resource management, marketing management, financial management, safety and risk management, and physical facilities and equipment management.

RESULTS

Majority of the respondents have not attended seminars and training relevant to school canteen management. The status of canteen management with respect to food service management, marketing management, and physical facilities and equipment management is verbally interpreted as often, while human resource management, financial management, and safety and risk management interpreted as sometimes. Problems were encountered by the teachers in the management of school canteen and interpreted as serious. The test rejected the null hypothesis for the significant difference on the assessment of the teacher-respondents on the status of canteen management with respect to food service management, human resource management, marketing management, financial management, safety, and risk management, and physical facilities and equipment management in terms of their age, educational attainment length of service and seminars and training attended.

DISCUSSIONS

The study concluded that teachers have different views regarding the status of canteen management in public elementary schools with respect to the different aspects in terms of their age, educational attainment, length of service, and seminars and training attended. On the contrary, in terms of sex, civil status, and position title, their assessments do not differ significantly. The study recommended that a regular assessment should be made to keep track of the activities and development of the canteen and to ensure that special efforts are exerted towards the improvement of the different areas in canteen and food service management so that the desired rating may be attained.