Factors that affect quantity of consumption of fruits and vegetables among elementary students that participate in the National School Lunch Program

Meal patterns in the NSLP have recently been updated. Research is limited on school staffs' perception of change in fruit and vegetable intake for students participating in the NSLP after implementation of the regulation. Identifying factors that affect intake of fruits and vegetables after implementation can help determine strategies to increase fruit and vegetable intake of students participating in the NSLP. Interviews were conducted with school staff ( n = 4) in the Covina-Valley Unified School District to investigate perceived factors that impact consumption and changes in waste. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Reported factors affecting intake included the school's approach, peer influence, and offering condiments. In addition, the amount of time students are given to eat lunch was identified as a potential factor, given that fact that the regulation requires students to take a fruit or vegetable, as these foods were perceived to take longer to consume