Young adulthood is a crucial period for establishing dietary habits that have a long-term impact on health. This study investigated the eating habits of students and their attitudes towards subsidized student meals in Slovenia. The aim of the thesis was to analyze students' dietary habits, their compliance with dietary guidelines and the factors that influence these habits. Additionally, it explored students' satisfaction with the subsidized meal system and what criteria they use when choosing meals. A total of 897 students from higher education institutions across Slovenia participated in the survey. The results showed that the students' eating habits partially aligned with dietary recommendations. All participating students used the meal subsidy vouchers, most of them 4 to 6 times a week. Students expressed a high level of satisfaction with the subsidized meal system and the meal options available. They largely supported the use of vouchers within the existing framework but also expressed interest in using vouchers to purchase basic foods in stores. The biggest influence on students' food choices was satisfaction with the meal, including aspects such as portion size and enjoyment of the meal. It was found that improving the available options, particularly by increasing access to healthier choices, could contribute to better dietary habits among students. The study highlighted the need for changes in the subsidized meal system and more targeted interventions to improve student nutrition.
|
