Wellness in the Schools: A Lunch Intervention Increases Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Wellness in the Schools (WITS) is a national non-profit organization.
• WITS partners with public schools to offer healthy, scratch-cooked meals and promote active recess.
• This study focuses on low-income NYC public school students in grades 2 and 3.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of WITS programming on school lunch consumption.
• To assess changes in fruit and vegetable intake among students.
• To evaluate the effects on entrée and milk consumption.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, controlled design was used with 14 elementary schools (7 WITS, 7 matched controls).
• School lunch consumption was observed anonymously using the System of Observational Cafeteria Assessment of Foods Eaten (SOCAFE) tool.
• Data were collected at three time points over two school years, alongside information on entrée types served.

Main Results:

• Students in WITS schools consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables across all time points compared to control schools (p < 0.001).
• WITS students had more fruits and vegetables on their trays, including from the salad bar.
• Conversely, WITS students ate fewer entrées (grain, protein) and drank less milk than control students.

Conclusions:

• WITS programming, including an Alternative Menu, led to increased fruit and vegetable selection and consumption.
• The program was associated with reduced consumption of entrées and milk.
• Further research with randomized designs and baseline data is recommended to confirm findings and enhance program effectiveness.