We developed PISKR, a computer based model for planning and assessing school meals according to Slovenia's dietary guidelines for educational institutions. To test it, we conducted a controlled randomized trial in 49 primary schools across all statistical regions of Slovenia. Prior to the intervention, we collected samples of morning snacks and lunches.The snacks were analyzed using the Platform for Clinical Nutrition, while the lunches were analyzed using chemical analysis. We also surveyed the state of organization of school meals. The data were presented as 5-day composite samples and compared to dietary guidelines. Results showed that snacks were compliant with the guidelines, except for excessive sugar, while lunches had lower energy, fat, and carbohydrate content, but exceeded the salt limit. Portion sizes varied widely across schools. We introduced PISKR to the test group of schools. The school meal organizers planned a weekly menu for snacks and lunches and introduced the meal to the school diet for adolescents (10-13 years). After that we repeated the sampling and meal analysis. We found that the computer based model PISKR did not significantly affect the dietary composition of the meals during the short testing period. The study showed that the computer based model is an important contribution to monitoring the composition of meals in accordance with dietary guidelines and an economical approach to analyzing the composition of meals offered in real-time. Focus groups also highlighted the need for adequate support and time for school meal organizers to carry out their nutrition management responsibilities, which is a crucial barrier to expanding the use of the computer based model in the Slovenian school diet system.
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