A Student-Driven Community Engagement Model for School Nutrition Education Programs. J Sch Health 2021 Dec;91(12):1024-1029
Date
10/07/2021Pubmed ID
34611911DOI
10.1111/josh.13091Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85116321259 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Parental engagement in nutrition education programs often focuses on direct communication with parents. While this is an important component for the success of nutrition education, the role that students can play in connecting the program to their home is often overlooked.
METHODS: Feedback from students participating in a nutrition education program was used to develop an intervention that allowed students to take snacks they prepared in class home to their families. Change in parental awareness and family communication about the program was assessed in response to this intervention. A total of 257 third-grade students and 80 of their parents completed surveys to assess communication and interest in learning more about nutrition through the program.
RESULTS: A significant increase in family awareness and communication about the nutrition program was reported in response to the intervention that gave the students the ability to share food they made in class with their families.
CONCLUSIONS: Community engagement for school nutrition education programs is effective in stimulating family conversation about nutrition when methods are cognizant of students potential and motivation for driving these conversations. Our model for student-centered community engagement can be used by nutrition education programs to increase parental engagement.
Author List
Cory M, Johnston B, Nelson DAuthors
Bryan Johnston MD Associate Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinDavid A. Nelson PhD Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Health EducationHumans
Parents
Schools
Snacks
Students
