Faculty Collaboration Database

Youth Chef Academy: Pilot Results From a Plant-Based Culinary and Nutrition Literacy Program for Sixth and Seventh Graders. J Sch Health 2018 Dec;88(12):893-902

Date

11/06/2018

Pubmed ID

30392187

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6546111

DOI

10.1111/josh.12703

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85055954176 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   8 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: National data confirm that youth are not eating recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables (F/V), legumes, and whole grains (WGs). Establishing plant-based eating patterns early in life may positively impact long-term health through tracking of adolescent eating patterns into adulthood and through potential associations between adolescent dietary intake and adult disease risk. The study aim was to examine the effectiveness of Youth Chef Academy (YCA), a classroom-based experiential culinary and nutrition literacy intervention for sixth and seventh graders (11- to 13-year-olds) designed to impact healthy eating.

METHODS: Study used a nonequivalent control group design with 8 schools selected for similarity in: free/reduced-price lunch, race/ethnicity, and student mobility rate (N = 248). Primary outcomes were times per day of F/V, vegetable, and WG consumption. Students completed a survey to assess primary outcomes and other measures at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS: Significant increases in times per day of F/V (p = .022) and vegetable only (p = .015) consumption in the intervention group compared to the control group. Increases in WG consumption showed trended toward significance (p = .071). Student engagement and nutrition knowledge showed significant intervention effects.

CONCLUSIONS: YCA positively impacts behavioral and knowledge variables related to healthy eating and increases students' engagement in their classrooms.

Author List

Harley A, Lemke M, Brazauskas R, Carnegie NB, Bokowy L, Kingery L

Author

Ruta Brazauskas PhD Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Child
Child Nutrition Sciences
Female
Fruit
Health Literacy
Health Promotion
Humans
Male
Pilot Projects
Plants
Schools
Self Efficacy
Students
Vegetables