Impact of a Kindergarten through Eighth-Grade Nutrition Education Program on Student, Teacher, and Schoolwide Practices

Abstract

Low-income children are especially at risk for low fruit and vegetable consumption. Diets lacking in fruits and vegetables are associated with chronic diseases. Successful school-based interventions are key to promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that the degree of teacher involvement has a significant impact on students’ and parents’ interest in and compliance with school-based nutrition programs. Additionally, teachers have the predominant role in deciding which materials to use and how often to use them for a nutrition intervention. These studies indicate that teachers have authority over the degree of program implementation, and the more they implement, the greater the impact on students. However, some teachers’ knowledge and understanding of nutrition education may be limited since the importance of a healthful school environment is not always emphasized in teacher training or school policies. Thus, assessing teacher program implementation level (process evaluations) and their perceptions of program impact (impact evaluations) on students and on classroom and schoolwide practices are important components of a nutrition education program evalua-