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ERIC Number: EJ1178050
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1559-5676
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Third- and Fifth-Grade Students' Fruit and Vegetable Knowledge, Preference And Consumption
Epstein-Solfield, Alexandra; Arango, Clay; Ogan, Dana; Stendell-Hollis, Nicole
Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, v42 n1 Spr 2018
Purpose/Objectives: Most American school children fail to meet recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables (F/V). Possible solutions to increase intake include nutrition education interventions paired with access to a cafeteria salad bar (SB). The aim of this research was to determine if a F/V-targeted nutrition education intervention would increase F/V knowledge, preference, and consumption among elementary school-aged students. Methods: This repeated measures experimental design examined the effects of a nutrition education intervention among third- and fifth-grade students (n = 149). Pre- and post-intervention surveys, as well as pre and post SB specific plate waste analyses, were used to measure change in F/V knowledge, preference, and consumption. Participants received eight weekly 20-minute nutrition education lessons focused on the benefits of consuming F/V. A series of two-way ANOVA models with interactions were used to examine changes in F/V knowledge, preference, and consumption in each grade. Results: A few significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and F/V preference were observed. There were slight differences in overall nutrition knowledge and F/V preference between grades but not a change post-intervention within grades. Fifth-grade students generally possessed a better understanding about the benefits of consuming F/V and a greater preference for F/V. Non-significant increases in F/V consumption were noted post-intervention. Application to Child Nutrition Professionals: The results of this study suggest that targeted nutrition interventions may be effective in increasing F/V intake among elementary school-aged students. Positive outcomes seem to depend on several factors, including the existence and duration of other F/V promotional programs like SB, as well as peer- and adult-modeling of F/V consumption. This study as well as previous research indicates exposure and modeling are powerful tools in order to increase pre-adolescent F/V consumption.
School Nutrition Association. 120 Waterfront Street Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745. Tel: 301-686-3100; Fax: 301-686-3115; e-mail: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org; Web site: http://schoolnutrition.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A