Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act Increases Phytochemicals in Menus and Curriculum Furthers Identification of Phytochemical-Rich Foods

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated whether providing the Fruits and Vegetables (F/V) required by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) increased phytochemical/antioxidant content of school lunches. Additionally, the ability of adolescents to apply their nutritional knowledge following participation in a nutrition-focused science-based curriculum was assessed. Methods Changes in antioxidant/phytochemical content from F/V offered in school lunch menus were analyzed Pre-and Post-HHFKA. Food logs completed by 717 youth aged 10–18 were analyzed for correctly identifying “fighting foods”. Results Significant increases in antioxidant/phytochemical content resulted following implementation of HHFKA (P<0.05). Seventy-five percent [0, 100] of the time students accurately identified “fighting foods” in their one-day in-school food log (n=468). Conclusions and Implications Creatively incorporating nutrition education into core curriculum, when paired with a supportive built environment that increases F/V access (HHFKA), generates a multilevel intervention promoting F/V consumption among school-aged youth.

Food Sovereignty and Rights-Based Approaches Strengthen Food Security and Nutrition Across the Globe: A Systematic Review

“…Frequently, studies reported positive impacts of school feeding programs for child food security and nutrition. In the United States, subsidized school meal programs that featured healthier meal options for food insecure children succeeded in maintaining student participation (Vaudrin et al, 2018), and instituting standards for the nutritional quality of meals changed the types of foods selected by students (Schwartz et al, 2015;Brewer et al, 2016). In San Diego, US, strikingly high levels of food insecurity could have been addressed by government programs, but only through recognizing the challenges of underserved populations (Smith et al, 2017).…”

Grapes in School Meals: Impact of Plate Waste on Costs and Consumption

“…The change in standards resulted in increased fruit and vegetable offerings provided at lunch and for the first time, both fruits and vegetables were served daily. Amid concerns that a revised and restrictive school meals menu might create unintended consequences such as greater food waste, school-based research studies have begun to demonstrate that the HHFKA's supportive built environment can enhance fruit and vegetable consumption [1].…”