Development of a STEM‐based school garden and nutrition education program to increase knowledge and consumption of pulse crops by school aged children (626.17)

Abstract

Development of a STEM‐based school garden and nutrition education program to increase knowledge and consumption of pulse crops by school aged children Kelly A. Atterberry1*,Carol A. Miles1, Lee Anne Riddle2, Janice M.W. Rueda3, and Drew Betz2.1Washington State University; Mount Vernon, Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center; 2WSU Extension Whatcom County; 3Washington State University, Pullman, Washington.Pulse crops, which include dry beans, dry peas, lentils and chickpeas, are nutrient dense foods rich in fiber, protein, iron, potassium and phytonutrients. Consumption of pulses is associated with increased satiety and reduced risk of chronic diseases, yet these low‐cost foods are not widely consumed among school‐aged children. Studies have shown that children who observe and participate in growing food are more likely to taste and regularly consume the targeted food. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a school garden and nutrition education intervention on consumption of pulses in a school cafeteria setting in the state of Washington. A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)‐based curriculum combined exposure to dry beans, a pulse crop grown in the proximal area, in a school garden setting with classroom nutrition education. The lessons included in‐class nutrition education and science‐based activities, as well as experiential learning activities of harvesting and threshing dry beans from the school gardens. Fifty‐six students participated in the study, 25 in fourth grade and 31 in ninth grade. Pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys were used to assess changes in students’ knowledge about pulses foods. Students’ attitudes towards spending class time in their school garden were also assessed. Results from this pilot study will be presented.