A Study on the Utilization, Recognition, and Satisfaction of Environment-Friendly Agricultural Products in School Food Services according to the Type of Food Service in Jeonbuk Area

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the utilization, recognition, and satisfaction of environment-friendly agricultural products (EAPs) in school food services according to the type of foodservice in the Jeonbuk area. Among the 270 school food service providers evaluated, 56.3% of the schools were located in an urban area and 43.7% were in a rural area. About 80% of urban schools used the EAPs for school foodservice, and 89.8% in rural schools (p<.05). The purchase frequency of grain (p<.01), fruits (p<.05), and processed foods (e.g. Tofu) (p<.001) was significantly different between the urban and rural schools. The perception of school dietitians in urban and rural schools between the EAPs and general agricultural products was significantly different (p<.05). The most different fact was 'safety' (p<.001). Most school dietitians has a gut understanding and a lot of confidence about the system of EAPs (p<0.01). The satisfaction score with EAPs was 3.35; in the urban schools it was 3.36 and in the rural schools 3.12 (p<.01). The satisfaction with EAPs in urban and rural schools was significantly different with regard to several factors; these were 'design' (p<.05), 'color' (p<.001), 'fresh' (p<.001), and 'diversity' (p<.01). There are conflicting views between the urban and rural schools for the additional costs brought by using EAPs (p<.01). In conclusion, our central and local governments should change their roles in financially positive ways and reflect the issue to make the policy effective.