The Status of School-Based Nutrition Education at the State Agency Level

Abstract

The status of school-based nutrition education at the state agency level was examined. Telephone interviews with agencies in all 50 states revealed that nine states mandated nutrition be taught and another 21 included nutrition as a required topic in mandated subjects, frequently health. The other states had initiatives to promote school-based nutrition education but it was not required. Published requirements for teacher certification in elementary education, home economics, and health education seldom (two to three states) specified nutrition as a requirement. However, follow-up investigations revealed many states indirectly promote nutrition preparation for home economics and health education teachers through guidelines for approval of college programs in these areas. An inventory of nutrition education curricular materials revealed they were most frequently directed to grades K-6 and focused mainly on general foods and nutrition or that related to health. Given the links that emerged between health and nutrition, incorporating nutrition into health education may help promote school-based nutrition education.