Book Description
Focus has been put on healthy eating habits within the last few years due to an increase in obesity and other chronic diseases. Eating habits are formed at an early age, but nutrition education curriculum is not mandated in Wisconsin. Studies have shown a relationship between nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy, but little research exists on coupling nutrition education with nutrition exposure on the effect of nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy. The sample for this study was 11 third through fifth grade students at Starr Elementary in New Richmond, Wisconsin and was self-selecting. Three lessons were implemented using USDA's Serving Up MyPlate curriculum and preparation of a healthy snack in a before-school setting. Change was measured with a pre-/post-test evaluation based on lesson objectives and research questions. It was found that intervention provided change in student knowledge on nutrition and health outcomes, an increase in overall nutrition knowledge, improvements in identifying foods as nutrient dense vs. non-nutrient dense, and an increase in nutritional self-efficacy. Further research needs to be conducted with a larger, randomized sample and more lessons to determine the impact this type of education can provide.