ERIC Number: EJ1184395
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Evaluation of a Free Milk in Schools Program in New Zealand: Effects on Children's Milk Consumption and Anthropometrics
Marsh, Samantha; Jiang, Yannan; Carter, Karen; Wall, Clare
Journal of School Health, v88 n8 p596-604 Aug 2018
Background: While dietary sources of calcium are important for bone health, the intake of milk and milk products decreases as children get older. A free milk in schools program may mitigate this decrease in milk consumption. We evaluated the Fonterra Milk for schools program (a free milk initiative) by determining changes in children's milk consumption and anthropometric measures over a 2-year period. Methods: The evaluation was conducted in children aged 7-9 years in a representative sample of primary schools participating in the free milk program, in Auckland, New Zealand. The primary outcome was the proportion of children meeting the New Zealand guidelines for dairy and milk product consumption over 7 days (=2 servings per day). Changes in anthropometric measures were also assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Nine schools (N = 511 children) participated in the evaluation. The proportion of children meeting the New Zealand guidelines for milk and milk product consumption over 7 days increased significantly from baseline to 2 years' follow-up (72% vs 94%; p < 0.001). Body mass index z scores did not change significantly between baseline and 2 years' follow-up. Conclusions: The Fonterra Milk for Schools initiative appears to be an effective way of increasing milk/milk product consumption behaviors in school-aged children.
Descriptors: Food, Foreign Countries, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Program Descriptions, Elementary School Students, Guidelines, Child Development, Physical Development, Longitudinal Studies, Program Evaluation, Program Effectiveness, Body Composition, Health Behavior
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A