Fruit and vegetable consumption in four elementary schools after implementation of nutrition education programs

Nutrition education programs in schools often promote fruits and vegetables with the goal of increasing consumption among children. This study determined whether nutrition education programs increased fruit and vegetable intake in four elementary schools in Florida from October 2008 to October 2009. School A offered the U.S.D.A. Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program; School B had a Student Wellness Advisory Council, OrganWise Guys and CATCH; School C had OrganWise Guys and CATCH; School D had no nutrition education programs. Students’ favorite fruits and vegetables at breakfast and lunch were compiled. An increase in fruit intake was observed in three out of four schools; however, only one school had a positive increase in vegetable intake. Oranges were the most popular fruit chosen at breakfast and lunch. Corn was the most popular vegetable, followed by side salad. Nutrition education programs proved to have a positive impact on fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary schools