RESEARCH

Characteristics of Successful Primary School-Based Experiential Nutrition Programmes: A Systematic Literature Review

This study found that successful nutrition programs for elementary students are hands-on, involve parents, and focus on increasing vegetable intake through activities like gardening, cooking, and taste testing. The researchers suggest that these programs can improve children’s nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and dietary behaviors.
Program Types: Social
Population Groups: Children/Youth, General Population
Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Longevity & Aging Well, Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Increased Self-Efficacy
Allied Profession Intersections: Education
Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening
Evidence Type: Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews
Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness
Access: Free
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Summary

This systematic review looked at what makes nutrition programs for elementary school kids successful at changing what they know, how they feel, and what they do related to food. The researchers searched through a bunch of studies and found 67 that fit their criteria. They looked closely at 42 of these that were considered “successful” because they showed significant positive changes in things like nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and eating habits. These successful programs included school gardens, providing food, taste testing, cooking classes, and programs with multiple activities.

The review found that nutrition education combined with taste testing, cooking activities, and gardening helped kids be more willing to try new foods (especially fruits and vegetables), improved their cooking skills, and increased their nutrition knowledge. The study concluded that nutrition programs for elementary school kids that are hands-on are more likely to work well if they use a mix of strategies, involve parents, and focus on getting kids to eat more vegetables.

Link

Charlton, K., Comerford, T., Deavin, N., & Walton, K. (2021). Characteristics of successful primary school-based experiential nutrition programmes: A systematic literature review. Public Health Nutr., 24(14), 4642-4662.

 

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