Project ReFresh: Testing the Efficacy of a School‐Based Classroom and Cafeteria Intervention in Elementary School Children

Abstract

Classroom nutrition education combined with cafeteria improvement has the potential to improve diet-related behavior of elementary school children. Also, collaborative partnership between schools and extension can enhance program sustainability.

Determinants of how individuals choose, eat and waste: Providing common ground to enhance sustainable food consumption out‐of‐home

“…Thereby, Hanks et al () tested an intervention making F&V more convenient and attractive and suggesting consumption norms in the form of verbal prompts. Similarly, Song, Grutzmacher, and Munger () combined in‐class nutrition education with improved food presentation, choice incentives and social interactions between canteen staff and children. By applying those changes, both studies reached an increase in the proportion of children who chose at least one serving of fruits and vegetables at lunch in the canteen.…”

Collaboration Challenges and Opportunities: A Survey of School Foodservice Directors and Community Health Coalition Members

“…Indiana FSDs and CHCs may benefit from utilizing (and/or continuing to utilize) the Land Grant University Extension system because Extension is already an institutionalized and active component of many communities and coalitions. For example, Extension Educators in North Dakota and Maryland spearheaded successful nutrition education interventions in schools. There are many opportunities for long‐term partnerships and consolidation of resources and skills.…”

“…19 Additionally, school collaboration with the Land Grant University Extension system has promising implications for nutrition education of students and parents. 20,21 Our initial interviews with CHCs indicated that coalitions view school wellness as an opportunity to promote nutrition education, school gardens, local foods, and effective/safe utilization of foods wasted during school meals. Though FSDs and CHCs both address school wellness and nutrition, their perceived feasibility of school and community nutrition programs, as well as their priorities for accomplishing public health goals (ie, meeting federal policy requirements and/or expanding local community health promotion efforts) may vary.…”

“…Though our literature search did not yield studies describing the role of CHCs in implementation of school nutrition programming, there is evidence that partnerships with state and local organizations and governments may result in: (1) beneficial outcomes for improving student academic, mental, and physical health, (2) combining and streamlining of resources for student education and health, (3) increasing selection of fruits and vegetables during school lunch, and (4) adoption of active transportation best practices to increase physical activity of students . Additionally, school collaboration with the Land Grant University Extension system has promising implications for nutrition education of students and parents . Our initial interviews with CHCs indicated that coalitions view school wellness as an opportunity to promote nutrition education, school gardens, local foods, and effective/safe utilization of foods wasted during school meals.…”

Lessons Learned From the Implementation of Brighter Bites: A Food Co‐op to Increase Access to Fruits and Vegetables and Nutrition Education Among Low‐Income Children and Their Families

“…For example, House Bill 4 approved in the 2015 Texas legislative session requires public schools to provide a parent engagement plan to the state “to assist the district in achieving and maintaining high levels of parental involvement.” Recent reviews of nutrition education resources for elementary school students indicate that the most effective evidence‐based strategies for improving healthy eating in elementary school children are cross‐curricular and experiential learning approaches . Moreover, literature suggests that through such activities including staff culinary and nutrition training and engagement, school districts can enhance their school food environments and impact child dietary intake . Through CATCH, fun food experience and other school‐based activities and resources, Brighter Bites provides holistic and experiential learning opportunities for school staff, students, and families.…”