Nutrition and Food Attitudes of School Children in Central Texas

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe nutrition and food-related attitudes of central Texas children in grades 4, 6–8, and 11.These data are from an initiative supported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and USDA to develop and test potential survey instruments that could be used to monitor school-based nutrition efforts. The instrument was developed using focus groups of 740 children. This report is from 4–11th grade children (n=392) in 12 schools in central Texas who volunteered to provide self-report information regarding their dietary intake habits, attitudes, and knowledge. Teachers administered the 20 minute survey during class. Over 80% of students in middle and high school appear to be confused about how to interpret dietary recommendations, although over 50% agree it is important for students their age to understand these recommendations. While 98% of 4th graders believe they eat healthful foods, this proportion declines as students get older: 50% of 6th & 7th graders, 14% of 8th graders and 28% of 11th graders agree that they eat healthful foods. Students feel that nutrition is important: the majority of 4th, 6 & 7th, 8th, and 11th graders agree that dietary habits can influence the chances of developing heart disease or cancer (78%, 89%, 94%, 94%, respectively) and over 2/3 of 4th, 8th, and 11th graders believe that skipping meals can affect their ability to succeed in class. Over 85% of all groups surveyed agreed that they like to try new foods. Obtaining information about student attitudes about nutrition and food-related behaviors can help to focus intervention efforts and tailor programs to specific grade levels.