Fueling Bright Futures: a mixed-methods case study on integrating gardens, canteens, and nutrition training in...

This mixed-methods case study evaluates Fueling Bright Futures, an integrated approach involving enhancing school gardens, improving the menu of canteen, and providing nutrition education in three public schools in Cavite, Philippines. The intervention addresses both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, tackling the double burden of malnutrition among Filipino schoolchildren.

This mixed-methods study was conducted in three public elementary schools in Cavite, Philippines. Baseline and endline assessments (Apr 2024, Feb 2025) included canteen menu audits (per DepEd Order 13), garden inventories, and focus groups with staff and administrators. Effectiveness and scalability were evaluated using the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool (ISAT) in participatory workshops with policymakers and stakeholders. Qualitative data from all sessions were coded and thematically analyzed via NVivo14 and mapped to ISAT domains.

All the schools made substantial gains in garden output, dietary diversity, and the nutritional quality of canteen offerings. The number of "green" menu items increased sharply (School A: 2-11 per week), whereas the number of "red" foods decreased substantially (School B: 10-2 per week; School C: 13-4). Canteen staff adjusted recipes to use more garden produce, although some packaged snacks persisted. Barriers included limited resources, irregular garden supplies, time constraints, and outside processed food vendors. Strong leadership and community participation elevated acceptability, but infrastructure and sustainability challenges persisted.

Improving and integrating school gardens, improved canteen menus, and staff training can enhance school food environments in resource-limited schools. Success requires strong leadership, partnerships, practical planning, and sustained resources. Ongoing investment and collaboration are critical to building nutrition-friendly school environments that support students' health and well-being.