scholarly journals Strategies to Improve School Meal Consumption: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3520
Author(s):  
Juliana F. W. Cohen ◽  
Amelie A. Hecht ◽  
Erin R. Hager ◽  
Lindsey Turner ◽  
Kara Burkholder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
School Meal ◽  
School Wellness ◽  
School Day ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Wellness Policies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Meal Consumption

School meals can play an integral role in improving children’s diets and addressing health disparities. Initiatives and policies to increase consumption have the potential to ensure students benefit from the healthy school foods available. This systematic review evaluates studies examining initiatives, interventions, and policies to increase school meal consumption. Following PRISMA guidelines, this review was conducted using four databases and resulted in a total of 96 studies. The research evidence supports the following strategies to increase school meal consumption: (1) offering students more menu choices; (2) adapting recipes to improve the palatability and/or cultural appropriateness of foods; (3) providing pre-sliced fruits; (4) rewarding students who try fruits and vegetables; (5) enabling students to have sufficient time to eat with longer (~30 minute) lunch periods; (6) having recess before lunch; and (7) limiting students’ access to competitive foods during the school day. Research findings were mixed when examining the impact of nutrition education and/or offering taste tests to students, although multiple benefits for nutrition education outside the cafeteria were documented. There is some evidence that choice architecture (i.e., “Smarter Lunchroom”) techniques increase the proportion of students who select targeted meal components; however, there is not evidence that these techniques alone increase consumption. There were limited studies of the impact of increasing portion sizes; serving vegetables before other meal components; and strengthening local district and/or school wellness policies, suggesting that further research is necessary. Additionally, longer-term studies are needed to understand the impact of policies that limit students’ access to flavored milk. Several studies found increases in students’ meal consumption following the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) and concerns regarding an increase in food waste following the HHFKA were not supported. Overall, there are a range of effective strategies to increase school meal consumption that can be implemented by schools, districts, and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021244688).

scholarly journals Nutrition education and changes in mother's behavior towards fulfillment of vegetable and fruit consumption strategies in preschool children

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Rapitos Sidiq ◽  
Rina Hasniyati ◽  
Marni Handayani
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Early Childhood Education ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Maternal Knowledge ◽  
Fruit Consumption ◽  
Childhood Education ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Consumption Strategies

The nutritional needs of preschool children are very important for their growth and development. However, the problem is the low consumption of preschool children for fruits and vegetables, so it requires special strategies, for that the role of the family is very important. This study aims to determine the impact of nutrition education and changes in mother's behavior towards the fulfillment of vegetable and fruit consumption strategies in pre-school children. This research uses quasi-experimental and observational methods, observations were carried out on 30 September 2019 on 44 preschool children. Data collection was carried out on September 20, 2019, in Early Childhood Education SB in 50 mothers of preschool children. The data is processed in stages; editing, coding, transferring and tabulating. Univariate data analysis in the form of frequency distribution tables, paired t-test statistical test. The results showed an average value of knowledge before the intervention (p= 0,000). Observation results show that after nutrition education was given, only 31,8% of preschool children were given vegetable and fruit supplies or processed food vegetables and fruits by the mother when going to school. The conclusion of the study is nutrition education on maternal strategies in increasing consumption of vegetables and fruit in preschool children in early childhood education effectively changing maternal knowledge but has not had a comprehensive impact on changes in mother’s behavior

scholarly journals Os reflexos profilático e pedagógico da educação alimentar nas escolas do Maciço de Baturité, Ceará

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Eliane Da Graça Varela Vaz ◽  
Sofia Regina Paiva Ribeiro ◽  
Maria do Socorro Moura Rufino
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Psychosocial Development ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Educational Games ◽  
Food Preservation ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
The Impact

O presente artigo é oriundo de estudo acerca das ações que envolvem o Projeto de Extensão: O papel da alimentação saudável para a promoção da saúde “Programa 5 ao dia” realizado em escolas públicas municipais do Maciço de Baturité, Ceará. O Público alvo são alunos do 9° ano do ensino fundamental. Os discentes são oriundos de quatro instituições de ensino situadas em Acarape, Barreira, Baturité e Redenção. O recorte temporal compreende o período de junho de 2018 a janeiro, 2019. A investigação objetiva traçar o perfil do consumo diário de frutas e hortaliças dos educandos, tanto no convívio familiar como no ambiente educacional, e contribuir para uma prática alimentar mais saudável. Para tanto, foram realizadas oficinas, seminários, cursos e jogos educativos. Dentre as abordagens temáticas pode-se destacar a relevância de uma alimentação saudável e nutritiva; o consumo de frutas e hortaliças; a higienização e conservação de alimentos. O estudo contempla critérios teórico-metodológicos da pesquisa bibliográfica exploratória, com constatações in loco e aplicação de questionários, com perguntas semi-estruturadas. Salienta-se que após a realização das atividades foi aplicada uma avaliação para mensurar o impacto do projeto junto à comunidade. A partir dos dados coletados, pode-se perceber que os educandos ampliaram suas percepções/aprendizados sobre a relevância de uma dieta equilibrada, composta por alimentos saudáveis, saborosos e nutritivos, e que a construção de bons hábitos alimentares contribui significativamente para o desenvolvimento biopsicossocial do indivíduo. Palavras-chave: Educação; Segurança alimentar e nutricional; Adolescência   The prophylactic and pedagogical reflexes of the nutrition education in the schools of Baturité Massif, Ceará Abstract: This article is based on a study about the actions that involve an Extension Project: The role of healthy eating for health promotion “Program 5 a Day” held in municipal public schools of the Baturité massif, in Ceará. The target audience was students of the 9th grade of elementary school. The students originate from four educational institutions located in Acarape, Barreira, Baturité, and Redenção. The temporal clipping comprises the period from June 2018 to January 2019. The research aims to outline the profile of daily consumption of fruits and vegetables of the students, both in the family life and in the educational environment, and contribute to a healthier eating practice. Workshops, seminars, courses, and educational games were held. Among the thematic approached, one can highlight the relevance of a healthy and nutritious diet; Consumption of fruits and vegetables; Hygiene, and Food Preservation. The study contemplates theoretical and methodological criteria of exploratory bibliographic research, in loco findings and application of questionnaires, with semi-structured questions. It is noteworthy that after performing the activities, an evaluation was applied to measure the impact of the project with the community. From the data collected, it can be perceived that the students expanded their perceptions/learnings about the relevance of a balanced diet consisting of healthy, tasty, and nutritious foods and that the construction of good eating habits contributes significantly to the bio-psychosocial development of the individual. Keywords: Education; Food and nutrition security; Adolescence

scholarly journals The Impact of Combining Nutrition Education with Active Choice on the Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Second Grade Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 48-59
Author(s):  
Robyn M. Cafiero ◽  
Yeon Bai ◽  
Charles Feldman ◽  
Doreen Liou
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Active Choice ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Daily intake of fruits and vegetables provides the basis for healthy nutrition. Yet low consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) persists among school-aged children. Framed by the Social Cognitive Theory, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of nutrition lessons combined with an active choice intervention on children’s FV consumption. Using a quasi-experimental design, 89 second graders were assigned to groups. Students in the experimental group (n=46) received four nutrition lessons combined with nine active choice sessions, while those in the control group (n=43) received active choice sessions only. Responses to pre- and post-intervention surveys that inquired FV knowledge and consumption were compared within and between groups using independent and paired t-tests. Empowered by improved knowledge, self-efficacy and the positive environment created through nutrition lessons and active choice, the experimental group showed improvement in consumption behavior compared to the control group at post-intervention: bringing FV to school and finish eating (69.7 vs. 51.2, p=.05 for fruits; 43.5 vs. 39.5, p=.41 for vegetables); like choosing FV (84.8 vs. 65.1, p=.01); like to eat more FV (80.4 vs. 62.8, p=.16); FV are healthy (100 vs. 95.3, p=.14). The magnitude of improvement is small yet consistent in every aspect of outcome measures. Combining nutrition education with the active choice component showed potential for a larger impact on behavior change among study participants. Parental support and community involvement could enhance the effectiveness of nutrition education in schools.

scholarly journals The impact of a school-based nutrition education intervention on dietary intake and cognitive and attitudinal variables relating to fruits and vegetables

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 650-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
AS Anderson ◽  
LEG Porteous ◽  
E Foster ◽  
C Higgins ◽  
M Stead ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fruit Intake ◽  
Education Intervention ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Whole School ◽  
School Based ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of a school-based nutrition education intervention aimed at increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables.DesignThe intervention programme increased the provision of fruits and vegetables in schools and provided a range of point-of-purchase marketing materials, newsletters for children and parents, and teacher information. Curriculum materials at age 6–7 and 10–11 years were also developed and utilised. Evaluation was undertaken with groups of younger (aged 6–7 years) and older (aged 10–11 years) children. Methods included 3-day dietary records with interview and cognitive and attitudinal measures at baseline, with follow-up at 9 months, in intervention and control schools.SettingThe work was undertaken in primary schools in Dundee, Scotland.SubjectsSubjects comprised 511 children in two intervention schools with a further 464 children from two schools acting as controls.ResultsChildren (n = 64) in the intervention schools had an average increase in fruit intake (133±1.9 to 183±17.0 g day-1) that was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than the increase (100±11.7 to 107±14.2 g day-1) estimated in children (n = 65) in control schools. No other changes in food or nutrient intake were detected. Increases in scores for variables relating to knowledge about fruits and vegetables and subjective norms were also greater in the intervention than in the control group, although taste preferences for fruits and vegetables were unchanged.ConclusionsIt is concluded that a whole school approach to increasing intakes of fruits and vegetables has a modest but significant effect on cognitive and attitudinal variables and on fruit intake.

scholarly journals Nutrition education linked to agricultural interventions improved child dietary diversity in rural Cambodia

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (8) ◽  
pp. 1457-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Reinbott ◽  
Anna Schelling ◽  
Judith Kuchenbecker ◽  
Theresa Jeremias ◽  
Iean Russell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPoor infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are major determinants of chronic malnutrition. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of a nutrition education (NE) programme aimed at promoting improved IYCF behaviours in combination with an agriculture intervention on children’s dietary diversity and nutritional status. From 2012 to 2014, a cluster randomised trial was rolled out in Cambodia in the context of an agriculture and nutrition project of the FAO of the UN. The cross-sectional baseline study was carried out in sixteen pre-selected communes in 2012. Restricted randomisation allotted the communes to either intervention (NE and agriculture intervention) or comparison arms (agriculture intervention only). The impact survey was conducted as a census in all FAO project villages in 2014. Caregivers of children aged 0–23 months were interviewed using standardised questions on socio-economic status and dietary diversity (24-h recall). Anthropometric measurements were taken. A difference-in-differences model was applied. The sample comprised 743 households with children ≥6 months of age at baseline and 921 at impact. After 1 year of NE, 69 % of the intervention households reported to have participated in the NE. Estimated mean child dietary diversity was significantly different at impact between comparison and intervention (3·6 and 3·9, respectively). In particular, the consumption of pro-vitamin A-rich foods and other fruits and vegetables increased. No treatment effects on height-for-age Z-scores could be shown. NE led to improvements in children’s diets. For effects on growth, it is assumed that longer NE activities are required to achieve sustainable behaviour change of age-appropriate infant feeding.

scholarly journals Systematic review of the effects of pandemic confinements on body weight and their determinants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moien AB Khan ◽  
Preetha Menon ◽  
Romona Govender ◽  
Amal Samra ◽  
Javaid Nauman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Impact

AbstractPandemics and subsequent lifestyle restrictions such as ‘lockdowns’ may have unintended consequences, including alterations in body weight. Understanding the impact and the mechanisms affecting body weight is paramount for planning effective public health measures for both now and future “lockdown”-type situations. This systematic review assesses and the impact of pandemic confinement on body weight and to identifies contributory factors. A comprehensive literature search was performed in seven electronic databases and in gray sources from their inception until 1stJuly 2020 with an update in PubMed and Scopus on 1stFebruary 2021. In total, 2,361 unique records were retrieved, of which 41 studies were identified eligible: 1 case control study, 14 cohort and 26 cross-sectional studies (469, 362 total participants). The participants ranged in age from 6–86 years. The proportion of female participants ranged from 37% to 100%. Pandemic confinements were associated with weight gain in 7.2%–72.4% of participants and weight loss in 11.1%–32.0% of participants. Weight gain ranged from 0.6 (±1.3) to 3.0 (±2.4) kg, and weight loss ranged from 2.0 (±1.4) to 2.9 (±1.5) kg. Weight gain occurred predominantly in participants who were already overweight or obese. Associated factors included increased consumption of unhealthy food with decreased intake of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, changes in physical activity, and altered sleep patterns. Weight loss during the pandemic was observed in individuals with previous low weight, and those who ate less and were more physically active before lock down. Associated factors included increased intake of fruits and vegetables, drinking more water and consuming no alcohol. Maintaining a stable weight was more difficult in populations with reduced income, particularly in individuals with lower educational attainment. The findings of this systematic review highlight the short-term effects of pandemic confinements. Learning from the “lockdown” experience is fundamental if we are to prepare for the next wave; a holistic, reactive, tailored response is needed involving multiple providers.

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