Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate a monthly, modular delivery system for nutrition information in an elementary school setting.
Methods
A quazi- experimental design was used to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a nutritional and activity intervention- Build Healthy Kids® in an elementary school in Guilford CT. All 330 students received a monthly newsletter in their backpacks with a specific theme, and 100 students and parents signed consent forms to take part in the study. At the beginning and end of each month, students were asked about nutrition knowledge, attitude and behavior pertaining to that month's theme (fruit, vegetable, whole grain for example). Parents were also asked about their knowledge, attitude and ease of their child making a dietary change. A two-tailed paired T-test was used to assess change.
Results
Student's knowledge of sodium, fruit, calcium, protein, sugary drinks, treats, vegetables, and healthy fat improved during the month when the topic was presented, whereas their knowledge of grains stayed the same (Table 1). Their reported behavior of intake of fruit improved (P < 0.05). Parents reported their child improved intake of calcium, protein, grains, treats, vegetables, and healthy fats, and the parent's knowledge of sodium, calcium, grains, and healthful fats improved before and after each monthly module (Table 2)
Conclusions
Breaking up dietary guidelines into discrete modules - fruit, vegetables, whole grains, sodium, treats, calcium, sweetened beverages, protein, and healthy fats improves parents and elementary school students knowledge, and student's behavior regarding healthy food choices.
Funding Sources
Guilford Fund for Education.
Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs
