The effects of a school-based nutrition intervention on fruit and vegetable preferences, self-efficacy, and consumption among low-income, hispanic and white middle-school students

Purpose/Objectives This study examined the effect of the Harvest of the Month (HOTM) nutrition education intervention program on middle-school students’ fruit and vegetable preferences, self-efficacy and attitudes, and self-reported consumption. Perceptions of socio-environmental factors and demographic characteristics were also compared to preferences, self-efficacy and attitudes, and consumption. Methods The impact of HOTM on fruit and vegetable preferences, self-efficacy and attitudes, and consumption was assessed in low-income, Hispanic and White middle-school students in rural, Northern California. A quasi-experimental study design was employed using state-approved standardized HOTM survey questions before and after a six-month intervention. Seven hundred thirty students completed both pre and post surveys. Analysis of covariance was used for statistical analyses. Results The intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in self-efficacy relating to consumption of fruits and vegetables, from pre-survey to post-survey, than the control group. However, no significant differences in preferences, attitudes, or fruit and vegetable consumption were found between the intervention and control groups. Ethnicity was a significant factor associated with fruit consumption; Hispanic students reported significantly more fruit consumption than White students. Applications to Child Nutrition Professionals The HOTM intervention appears to have a positive impact on self-efficacy regarding fruit and vegetable consumption in Hispanic and White middle-school students. More research on culturally-appropriate interventions needs be conducted to further improve the impact of fruit and vegetable interventions on dietary behaviors among ethnically-diverse, middle-school children. Socio-environmental factors specific to certain ethnic groups, and their impact on fruit and vegetable intake, also need to be further investigated.