Incorporating a Healthy Reimbursable Snack in an Afterschool Homework Program for Middle School Students

Abstract

Background This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of adding a reimbursable snack that meets the Institute of Medicine nutrition recommendations to an afterschool homework program for middle school students. Methods Snack menu was developed and administered to students attending an afterschool homework program over 12 weeks. In spring 2009, two cross-sections of middle school students completed study measures, including snack preferences. Key school personnel completed follow-up interviews assessing program feasibility. Results Survey evaluations from 110 students at baseline and 113 at posttest suggested improved preferences for healthy snacks. Teacher supervisors (n = 3) and the assistant principal rated the pilot project as feasible and beneficial, whereas school food service (n = 3) rated the program unsustainable because of administration logistics and costs. Conclusions The addition of healthy snacks to afterschool programs was liked by students and teachers. However, policies that support simpler accountability procedures may be needed for school-based afterschool snack programs to be sustainable.

From Policy to Practice: Addressing Snack Quality, Consumption, and Price in After-School Programs

“…3, 4, 12 This is consistent with the current study where the Healthy Eating Standards guided the selection and planning of the daily snack which led to improved snacks. An important distinction between prior studies 3, 4, 12 and the current one is the evaluation of the costs associated with changing snacks served to fruits or vegetables daily. Price is cited as a primary barrier to meeting existing ASP snack policies and standards.…”

“…6–8 Additionally, studies indicate a large portion of the fruits and vegetables served to children, primarily during school lunch, go uneaten 9–11 . Thus, while short-term changes in meeting the standards have been achieved, 3, 4, 12 it is unclear if these are sustainable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate an innovative partnership between 4 YMCA ASPs and a local grocery store chain on 1) meeting the Healthy Eating Standards, 2) the costs associated with meeting the Healthy Eating Standards, and 3) whether children consume the healthier snacks.…”

Making healthy eating and physical activity policy practice: The design and overview of a group randomized controlled trial in afterschool programs

“…As part of their daily schedule, ASPs offer a snack and opportunities for children to be physically active. Unfortunately, the snacks served in ASPs are characterized as high in sugar, salt, and/or fat, and are almost devoid of fruits or vegetables, 3-7 whereas the amount of physical activity children accumulate falls well below existing policy standards. 8-10 …”

Improving nutrition and physical activity policies in afterschool programs: Results from a group-randomized controlled trial

“…Recent studies have found that interventions to modify PA practices at afterschool programs can increase children’s PA (Beets et al 2009; Dzewaltowski et al 2010; Gortmaker et al 2012). Interventions to modify food service practices have improved the nutritional quality of snacks served (Mozaffarian et al 2010; Nanney et al 2012; Giles et al 2012). Although mounting evidence supports an association between afterschool program practices and child health, less is known about the written policies that may direct afterschool program practices.…”