Research Article
Barriers to the Implementation of Healthy Food Policies in School Cafeterias: A Systematic Review
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.1-11-2025.2362921, author={Muhammad Iqbal Iqbal and Lutfiyah Rizqulloh and Firmansyah Kholiq Pradana}, title={Barriers to the Implementation of Healthy Food Policies in School Cafeterias: A Systematic Review}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Psychology and Health Issues, ICoPHI 2025, 1 November 2025, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ICOPHI}, year={2026}, month={4}, keywords={school food policy healthy cafeteria implementation obstacles}, doi={10.4108/eai.1-11-2025.2362921} }- Muhammad Iqbal Iqbal
Lutfiyah Rizqulloh
Firmansyah Kholiq Pradana
Year: 2026
Barriers to the Implementation of Healthy Food Policies in School Cafeterias: A Systematic Review
ICOPHI
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.1-11-2025.2362921
Abstract
The school environment shapes children's dietary preferences and nutritional status. However, implementing healthy food policies in school cafeterias globally still faces various challenges. This systematic review aims to synthesize the latest evidence on the factors hindering these policies' implementation. Following the PRISMA protocol, this review analyzes 10 research articles identified from the PubMed and Scopus databases (2019-2025). The analysis results reveal that non-compliance with national guidelines is a persistent problem in various countries. The main barriers are multidimensional, including economic aspects such as the lower price of unhealthy foods, limited school capacity and human resources, the non-mandatory and complex nature of policies, the lack of monitoring and enforcement systems, student preferences, and external environmental influences. It was concluded that a systemic approach encompassing mandatory policies, resource support, pricing strategies, and nutrition education is necessary to create an effective and sustainable school food environment.
