Study protocol: a cluster randomised controlled trial of a school based fruit and vegetable intervention - Project...

Area of Science:

• Public Health Nutrition
• Childhood Obesity Prevention
• Behavioral Science in Schools

Background:

• The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS) provides daily fruit/vegetables to younger children.
• Fruit and vegetable intake declines in children once they are no longer eligible for the SFVS.
• A need exists for interventions to sustain healthy eating habits in older children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a multi-component intervention (Project Tomato) for Year 3 children.
• To support the maintenance of fruit and vegetable consumption after SFVS eligibility ends.
• To investigate strategies for long-term healthy eating in primary school children.

Main Methods:

• Cluster randomised controlled trial in 54 English primary schools.
• Year 2 classes assigned to Project Tomato intervention or a control booklet.
• Dietary intake (CADET) and anthropometric data collected at baseline and 18-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is the intervention's effectiveness in maintaining fruit and vegetable portion consumption.
• Comparison between the Project Tomato group and the control group (5 A DAY booklet).
• Analysis of dietary patterns and anthropometric changes in Year 4 children.

Conclusions:

• Positive findings will guide policies for sustaining the SFVS.
• Results will inform future research and strategies for children's fruit and vegetable intake.
• This study contributes to understanding long-term dietary behavior change in children.