Outcomes from a school-based nutrition education program alternating special resource teachers and classroom teachers

This study modified a successful nutrition program to improve its transferability and potential for institutionalization. Specific aims were to determine: 1) if 16 nutrition lessons taught alternately by special resource teachers (SRT) and classroom teachers, could produce outcomes equivalent to 24 SRT lessons; and 2) teachers' reactions to the program. The quasi-experimental design used classrooms (19 treatment and 19 comparison) in matched schools. Surveys and plate waste measured children's outcomes, and classroom teachers were observed and interviewed. Treatment students showed greater knowledge and self-efficacy scores and consumed 0.36 more servings of fruits and vegetables at lunch. Behavioral differences between groups were greater when SRTs provided all instruction. Teachers supported the program and anticipated teaching more nutrition on their own, but noted serious structural barriers. Findings support the need for long-term contact to induce behavior change and the advantage of using teachers specifically trained in nutrition and experiential education.