The power of policy: a case study of healthy eating among children

Am J Public Health. 2006 Sep;96(9):1570-1. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.072124. Epub 2006 Jul 27.

Abstract

We used a case study approach to examine the nutritional effect of a policy to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in the Students Today Achieving Results for Tomorrow after-school program. The snack menu was changed in 44 after-school programs serving 8000 low-income and ethnically diverse elementary-school students. A comparison of previous and current snack menus identified a significant increase in fruit servings (83%) and no change in vegetable servings. We discuss the unintended consequences resulting from the menu changes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Welfare*
  • Curriculum
  • Diet*
  • Ethnicity
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Fruit
  • Health Policy*
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Poverty
  • Schools
  • Students
  • Vegetables