Effective nutrition interventions

Children and adolescents are not eating enough fruits and vegetables and are eating foods high in calories, sugar and fat and this is contributing to obesity and disease. Eating nutritious foods not only contributes to healthy body function but may positively impact academic, behavioral and mental health outcomes. It is noted that there are several barriers to eating nutritiously. The government supports schools through programs such as the National School Lunch program. However, more can and should be done to encourage and promote healthy eating. This paper explores several evidence-based nutrition programs and interventions that have demonstrated success in increasing student fruit and vegetable consumption. School psychologists are discussed as possible leaders to help school teams select, implement and monitor nutrition interventions, including the development of effective wellness policies