| What Works? Process Evaluation of a School-Based Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Program in Mississippi. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21392012 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: During the 2004-2005 school year, the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition, initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day. This article describes the first-year implementation of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program. METHODS: The process evaluation addressed where, when, and how produce was distributed; what was distributed; challenges and successes; and recommended modifications. Five of the 25 program schools were selected to participate in the evaluation; selection was based on grade levels served and demographic characteristics. Data were collected from program staff (N = 11) and administrators (N = 6) via interviews and logs; student (N = 42) and parent (N = 19) focus groups; student questionnaires (N = 660); and school staff questionnaires (N = 207). RESULTS: Distributing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at school was well received by staff and students. Most schools distributed the fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at morning break in classrooms or a central courtyard. Twenty-two types of fresh fruit, 4 types of dried fruit, and 7 types of vegetables were served to students during the program year. Commonly distributed fruit included apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and tangerines. Carrots were the staple vegetable, followed by celery. Key challenges included getting students to try new foods and receiving the produce in a timely manner without spoiling. Main successes included seeing students try new fruit and vegetable snacks, having the program run smoothly, and teacher support. CONCLUSIONS: The program fit well within the school structure and could be an effective component of a multifaceted approach to enhancing child nutrition. |
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Authors:
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Susan C Potter; Doris Schneider; Karin K Coyle; Gary May; Leah Robin; Jenna Seymour |
Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The Journal of school health Volume: 81 ISSN: 1746-1561 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-3-11 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0376370 Medline TA: J Sch Health Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: 202-211 Citation Subset: - |
Copyright Information:
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© 2011, American School Health Association. |
Affiliation:
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Research Associate, (suep@etr.org), Department of Research, ETR Associates, 4 Carbonero Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Director of Division of Training (retired), (justaskdoris@bellsouth.net), Office of Child Nutrition, Mississippi Department of Education, Jackson, MS. Senior Research Scientist, (karinc@etr.org), ETR Associates, 4 Carbonero Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Director (retired), (garymay@mde.k12.ms.us), Office of Child Nutrition, Mississippi Department of Education, Jackson, MS. Health Scientist, (leah.robin@cdc.hhs.gov), Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Lead Epidemiologist, (jennifer.seymour@cdc.hhs.gov), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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