Assessing the Feasibility of a Service Learning Activity to   Promote Nutritional Knowledge and Behavior

Assessing the Feasibility of a Service Learning Activity to Promote Nutritional Knowledge and Behavior

This one group pre/post study assessed the feasibility of a newly created nutritional course for sixth-grade students from impoverished schools. The sample (N = 512) was comprised of students from the western and southeastern United States. Surveys assessing nutritional knowledge and appropriate diet consumption were completed before and one-week after the end of the course. Pre-service teachers enrolled in their service-learning activity conducted five-nutrition classes (one day per week) on the following topics, (a) The Body & Nutrients, (b) Understanding Food Labels, (c) Food Pyramid Servings, (d) Calorie Intake, and (e) Healthy Eating Goals.  The results indicated a dramatic increase in Knowledge yet no gain on Behavior. Implications of these findings are discussed.

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