Community-based culinary and nutrition education intervention promotes fruit and vegetable consumption

Abstract Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Market to MyPlate (M2MP) program on fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking behaviours. Secondary objectives were to examine factors that affected participant retention and program completion, and analyse program feedback provided by participants. Design: This study conducted a mixed methods evaluation embedded within a cluster randomised controlled trial of the M2MP intervention. Adult participants completed a pre- and post-program survey reporting on their fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking behaviours. A subsample participated in structured interviews, providing feedback about M2MP and the impact of the program. Setting: Seven weekly classes took place in community centres and extension offices in central Illinois. Participants: 120 adults and their families participated. Class cohorts were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) nutrition education and cooking classes with produce allocations (PAE, n 39); (2) nutrition education and cooking classes only (EO, n 36) or (3) control group (n 45). Results: Compared to control, PAE participants reported larger increases from pre- to post-intervention in fruit (P = 0·001) and vegetable consumption (P = 0·002), with no differences in cooking frequency. Interview analyses identified key themes in behaviour changes due to M2MP, including reported increases in dietary variety, cooking self-efficacy and children’s participation in cooking. Conclusions: PAE participants who received an intervention that directly increased their access to fresh produce (via produce allocations) increased their reported fruit and vegetable consumption. Though participants’ cooking frequency did not change, interviewees reported increased variety, cooking confidence and family participation in cooking.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of "College CHEF," a Campus-based, Culinary Nutrition Education Program

Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal ◽

10.18061/bhac.v1i1.5436 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer McMullen ◽

Melinda Ickes ◽

Melody Noland ◽

Don Helme

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Education Program ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Nutrition Education Program ◽

The Impact

Aim: Evaluate the impact of a campus-based culinary nutrition education program, the College CHEF: Cooking Healthfully Education for Life-long Change, to determine if there were significant differences preto post- intervention with participants' attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge with healthy eating/cooking.Background: College students have high rates of overweight and obesity and tend to have unhealthy dietary practices. Culinary nutrition programs may provide students a means to improve related attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge.Methods: College students residing on campus were recruited. Participants completing both pre- and post-measures were included in analysis: Control (n= 17) and intervention groups (n = 15). Quasi-experimental pre-, post- design: Surveys were administered to both groups at baseline and post-intervention in October-November 2015.Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in fruit and vegetable consumption (p = .03) and with knowledge of cooking terms and techniques (p < .001).Conclusions: Campus-based culinary nutrition education programming has potential to positively impact college students’ fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking knowledge. Future programs should incorporate strategies such as additional opportunities to engage in hands-on practice and building cross-campus collaborations to promote sustainability.

Download Full-text

Impact of a behaviourally focused nutrition education intervention on attitudes and practices related to eating habits and activity levels in Indian adolescents

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021000203 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Panchali Moitra ◽

Jagmeet Madan ◽

Preeti Verma

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Indian Adolescents

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a behaviourally focused nutrition education (NE) intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to eating habits and activity levels in 10–12-year-old adolescents in Mumbai, India. Design: School-based cluster randomised controlled trial. The experimental group (EG) received weekly NE and three parent sessions over 12 weeks; no sessions were conducted for the control group (CG). The theoretical framework of HBM and focus group discussion results guided the development of behaviour change communication strategies and NE aids. KAP were measured using a validated survey instrument, administered at baseline and endline in EG and CG. Paired and independent t tests determined within-group and between-group changes in pre–post scores. Setting: Two aided and two private schools that were randomly allocated to either an EG or CG. Participants: Adolescent boys and girls (n 498; EG n 292 and CG n 206). Results: EG reported improvements in mean knowledge (39·3%), attitude (7·3 %), diet (9·6 %) and activity practice (9·4%) scores from pre to post intervention. No significant changes were observed in CG. Significant improvements in scores associated with perceived benefits, barriers and self-efficacy, breakfast and vegetable consumption, and moderate-to-vigorous activities were observed in EG. Conclusions: Integrating NE into the academic curriculum and adopting evidence-based lessons that entail targeted information delivery and participatory activities can improve knowledge, foster right attitudes and facilitate better eating and activity-related practices in Indian adolescents.

Download Full-text

Increasing children's lunchtime consumption of fruit and vegetables: an evaluation of the Food Dudes programme

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980012004612 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 1066-1072 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Dominic Upton ◽

Penney Upton ◽

Charlotte Taylor

Keyword(s):

Primary Schools ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Control Group ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Further Development

AbstractObjectivesAlthough previous research has shown that the Food Dudes programme increases children's fruit and vegetable consumption at school, there has been limited evaluation of the extent to which changes are maintained in the long term. Furthermore, despite knowledge that the nutritional content of home-supplied meals is lower than that of school-supplied meals, little consideration has been given to the programme's impact on meals provided from home. The present study therefore assessed the long-term effectiveness of the Food Dudes programme for both school- and home-supplied lunches.DesignTwo cohorts of children participated, one receiving the Food Dudes intervention and a matched control group who did not receive any intervention. Consumption of fruit and vegetables was assessed pre-intervention, then at 3 and 12 months post-intervention. Consumption was measured across five consecutive days in each school using weighed intake (school-provided meals) and digital photography (home-provided meals).SettingFifteen primary schools, six intervention (n 1282) and seven control schools (n 1151).SubjectsParticipants were children aged 4–11 years.ResultsA significant increase in the consumption of fruit and vegetables was found at 3 months for children in the intervention schools, but only for those eating school-supplied lunches. However, increases were not maintained at 12 months.ConclusionsThe Food Dudes programme has a limited effect in producing even short-term changes in children's fruit and vegetable consumption at lunchtime. Further development work is required to ensure the short- and long-term effectiveness of interventions promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in children such as the Food Dudes programme.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Combining Nutrition Education with Active Choice on the Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Second Grade Students

International Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3458 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 48-59

Author(s):

Robyn M. Cafiero ◽

Yeon Bai ◽

Charles Feldman ◽

Doreen Liou

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Active Choice ◽

The Impact ◽

Experimental Group

Daily intake of fruits and vegetables provides the basis for healthy nutrition. Yet low consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) persists among school-aged children. Framed by the Social Cognitive Theory, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of nutrition lessons combined with an active choice intervention on children’s FV consumption. Using a quasi-experimental design, 89 second graders were assigned to groups. Students in the experimental group (n=46) received four nutrition lessons combined with nine active choice sessions, while those in the control group (n=43) received active choice sessions only. Responses to pre- and post-intervention surveys that inquired FV knowledge and consumption were compared within and between groups using independent and paired t-tests. Empowered by improved knowledge, self-efficacy and the positive environment created through nutrition lessons and active choice, the experimental group showed improvement in consumption behavior compared to the control group at post-intervention: bringing FV to school and finish eating (69.7 vs. 51.2, p=.05 for fruits; 43.5 vs. 39.5, p=.41 for vegetables); like choosing FV (84.8 vs. 65.1, p=.01); like to eat more FV (80.4 vs. 62.8, p=.16); FV are healthy (100 vs. 95.3, p=.14). The magnitude of improvement is small yet consistent in every aspect of outcome measures. Combining nutrition education with the active choice component showed potential for a larger impact on behavior change among study participants. Parental support and community involvement could enhance the effectiveness of nutrition education in schools.

Download Full-text

Building Healthy Eating Knowledge and Behavior: An Evaluation of Nutrition Education in a Skill Training Course for Construction Apprentices

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16234852 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (23) ◽

pp. 4852 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chung ◽

Chan

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Skill Training ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Construction Workers ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Post Intervention ◽

And Behavior

Background: Prior research has found poor health among construction workers is related to poor nutrition and low fruit and vegetable consumption. Promoting nutrition knowledge can improve dietary behaviors, but nutrition education among construction workers is limited. We evaluated the effectiveness of nutrition education on fruit and vegetable consumption among construction apprentices. In this pilot evaluative study, 36 construction apprentices enrolled in skill training programs received two 1.5-hour nutrition classes. Twelve questions addressing healthy eating knowledge and behavior were administered at baseline, after intervention, and at three months follow-up. After intervention, daily fruit consumption improved from baseline (mean (s.d.) =1.42 (0.55)) to post intervention (mean (s.d.) =1.72 (0.70)) (p < 0.05) and to three months follow-up (mean(s.d.) =1.94 (0.83)) (p > 0.05). After intervention, daily vegetable consumption improved from baseline (mean (s.d.) =1.67 (0.59)) to post intervention (mean (s.d.) =1.97 (0.74)) (p < 0.05) and to three months follow-up (mean (s.d.) = 2.19 (0.82)) (p > 0.05). Younger construction apprentices showed better healthy eating knowledge at post intervention and three months follow-up (p > 0.05). Working in normal hours showed better healthy eating knowledge at post intervention but not at three months follow up (p > 0.05). Both age groups and working hours did not show significant differences on healthy eating behaviour. Nutrition education implemented as a three-hour session within skill courses may possibly promote fruit and vegetable consumption among construction apprentices. Further research with control group is required to support the findings in this study.

Download Full-text

Abstract 5058: Dietary Intake of Fruits and Vegetables Improves Vascular Function in a Dose Dependent Manner - A Randomised Controlled Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_1136-c ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Damian O McCall ◽

Claire P McGartland ◽

David McCance ◽

Ian S Young ◽

Jayne V Woodside

Keyword(s):

Vascular Function ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Dose Dependent

Observational evidence has consistently linked increased fruit and vegetable consumption with reduced cardiovascular morbidity. However, there is little direct trial evidence to support the concept that fruit and vegetable consumption improves vascular function. This study has assessed the dose-dependent effects of a fruit and vegetable intervention on arterial health in subjects with hypertension. Following a common 4 week run-in period during which fruit and vegetable intake was limited to 1 portion/day, participants consumed either 1, 3 or 6 portions daily for the next 8 weeks. Endothelium-dependent and independent arterial vasodilator responses were assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography in the brachial circulation pre- and post-intervention. Compliance was monitored using serial contemporaneous 4-day food records and by measuring concentrations of circulating dietary biomarkers. A total of 118 volunteers completed the 12 week study. Participants in the 1, 3 and 6 portions/day groups reported consuming on average 1.1, 3.2 and 5.6 portions of fruit and vegetables respectively, while serum concentrations of ascorbic acid, lutein and β-cryptoxanthin increased across the groups in a dose-dependent manner. For each 1 portion increase in reported fruit and vegetable consumption, there was a 6.2% improvement in forearm blood flow responses to intra-arterial administration of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (p=0.03). There was no association between increased fruit and vegetable consumption and vasodilator responses to sodium nitroprusside, an endothelium-independent vasodilator. This study illustrates that among hypertensive volunteers, increased fruit and vegetable consumption produces significant improvements in an established marker of endothelial function and cardiovascular prognosis.

Download Full-text

The efficacy of a brief, peer-led nutrition education intervention in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption: a wait-list, community-based randomised controlled trial

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980012000043 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 15 (7) ◽

pp. 1318-1326 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Colleen Glasson ◽

Kathy Chapman ◽

Kristi Gander ◽

Tamara Wilson ◽

Erica James

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Primary School ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Stage Of Change ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Control Group ◽

Wait List ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Randomised Controlled

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present research was to test the efficacy of Fruit & Veg $ense sessions in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.DesignA wait-list randomised controlled trial was conducted (n 292). Intervention participants attended a Fruit & Veg $ense session and received newsletters at weeks 2 and 5 after attending the session. All participants completed an FFQ and a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, barriers and stage of change for fruit and vegetable consumption at baseline and 6 weeks.SettingHunter region of New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsTwo hundred and ninety-two parents with children of primary school age.ResultsThe intervention group significantly increased its mean consumption of fruit and vegetables by 0·62 servings compared with 0·11 in the control group (difference of 0·51, P = 0·001). Compared with the control group, there were significant increases in intervention participants’ knowledge of daily recommended servings (for fruit and vegetables) and serving size (for vegetables), improvement in stage of change for vegetable consumption and a decrease in the number of perceived barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption.ConclusionsFruit & Veg $ense is efficacious in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among parents of primary-school children. The study adds significantly to the limited evidence regarding fruit and vegetable interventions and the feasibility of engaging peer educators to deliver community education sessions. A broader implementation trial to test the effectiveness of Fruit & Veg $ense is recommended.

Download Full-text

Impact of an Amaranth-Sorghum Grains Product on Nutrient Intake of Children Aged 6-23 Months in Kiandutu Slums, Thika, Kenya

10.37512/700 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Nutrient Intake ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Composite Flour ◽

Monthly Basis ◽

Sorghum Flour ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

The Impact

Poor quality complementary foods contribute to undernutrition in children aged 6-23 months. Therefore, there is need to explore foods that will provide adequate nutrients for this age group. This study aimed at determining the impact of a sorghum-amaranth composite flour porridge on nutrient intake of children aged 6-23 months. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Kiandutu slum, Thika, Kenya. Children in the control group (CG), received a maize-sorghum flour while those in the treatment group (TG) received an amaranth-sorghum flour. The sample size per study group was 73 mother-child pairs. The children in the TG received Kcal 1000 worth of porridge/day while those in the CG received Kcal 266.8/day. Mothers of children in both groups were given nutrition education at baseline, and monthly, for six months. Food intake data was taken at baseline, then monthly for six months. Descriptive statistics were used to describe nutrient intake. Chi square and Mann Whitney U test were was used to compare the baseline characteristics of the two groups and their nutrient intake, respectively. At baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. On a monthly basis, nutrient intake in the TG was significantly higher for a majority of the nutrients than in the CG. The product can contribute to preventing under-nutrition in children aged 6-23 months.

Download Full-text