Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Healthy Lifestyles in Schools has been addressed in the Shaping Healthy Choices Program (SHCP), a comprehensive, multicomponent school based nutrition education intervention. The SHCP has been piloted using a randomized controlled intervention in four schools within two districts in two California counties. In order to be included in the study, schools must have had between 30 and 48% eligibility for free and reduced price meals. This was based on the fact that students in lower income schools (>50% eligibility) have access to a greater amount of federal and state funded nutrition education programs. In each district, one served as a control and one served as an intervention school. The pilot featured Discovering Healthy Choices (DHC), an inquiry-based adaptation of Nutrition to Grow On.41 The objective of DHC is to facilitate student learning of key nutrition concepts and improve critical thinking skills that are important for making healthy food and lifestyle choices. The curriculum consists of eight modules: 1) foods, culture, and agriculture; 2) the cardiovascular system and the importance of PA; 3) physiological roles of nutrients in supporting health; 4) serving sizes; 5) food labels; 6) MyPlate recommendations; 7) consumerism; and 8) making healthy snacks. Each module features classroom activities conducted using small groups to foster teamwork; opportunities for metacognition allowing students to reflect on and improve their problem-solving strategies; a take-home goal-setting activity; and family newsletters titled Team Up for Families, containing associated take-home activities. The DHC was developed by a team of UCD researchers and undergraduate interns using the Backward Design Model. Classroom activities were tested prior to the SHCP pilot intervention with upper-elementary school children and activities were revised according to observations. Once the pilot intervention year was completed, teachers from the intervention and control schools participated in professional development to learn how to deliver inquiry-based education. Of the 12 teachers invited, nine participated and are currently using DHC as part of their classroom. Successful implementation of the SHCP in pilot schools provides a basis for multi-state expansion to a randomized controlled intervention with the goal of state and national program dissemination. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Once the pilot intervention year was completed, teachers from the intervention and control schools participated in professional development to learn how to deliver inquiry-based education. Of the 12 teachers invited, nine participated and are currently using DHC as part of their classroom. Successful implementation of the SHCP in pilot schools provides a basis for multi-state expansion to a randomized controlled intervention with the goal of state and national program dissemination. There are additional plans for expanding the professional development through a partnership with UC CalFresh. Professional development has been conducted with UCCE Master Food Preservers in one county. In addition, we have developed and are currently evaluating the following: 1) Professional development for teachers; 2) Professional development for school nutrition services. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results have been disseminated through press releases, UC Delivers and the Center for Nutrition in Schools website (http//cns.ucdavis.edu/). Based on the success of this program, the Shaping Healthy Choices Program abstract (Scherr et. al) from the Experimental Biology Meeting 2014 (San Diego) was one of a small number of abstracts selected by the American Society for Nutrition to be promoted to mainstream media. The results have been disseminated through press releases, UC Delivers and the Center for Nutrition in Schools website (http//cns.ucdavis.edu/). Based on the success of this program, the Shaping Healthy Choices Program abstract (Scherr et. al) from the Experimental Biology Meeting 2014 (San Diego) was one of a small number of abstracts selected by the American Society for Nutrition to be promoted to mainstream media. Educational Materials UC Delivers: Shaping Healthy Choices Program improves children's health http://ucanr.edu/delivers/?impact=930&delivers=1&called_from_delivers=1 UC Delivers: Improving youths' nutritional knowledge and skills by discovering healthy choices http://ucanr.edu/delivers/?impact=943&delivers=1 UC Delivers: Shaping Healthy Choices Program: Team Up for Families http://ucanr.edu/delivers/?impact=729&delivers=1 Media Press Release for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program: http://ucanr.edu/?blogpost=13848&blogasset=605035/2014 CBS Sacramento News Story Covering Shaping Healthy Choices Program: http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2014/05/07/uc-davis-researchers-help-students-eat-healthier-make-better-decisions/ 5/2014 Univision 19 News Story Covering Shaping Healthy Choices Program: http://univisionsacramento.univision.com/salud/videos-de-salud/video/2014-05-08/esta-escuela-cambio-su-menu-por-algo-saludable 5/2014 Additional Media Coverage for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program: http://fox40.com/2014/05/12/researchers-nutritional-program-cuts-childhood-obesity-rates/ http://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/ucd/ucd-nutrition-plan-a-success-with-overweight-kids/ http://health.universityofcalifornia.edu/tag/obesity/ http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2014/05/07/uc-davis-researchers-help-students-eat-healthier-make-better-decisions/ http://www.arcamax.com/health/youdocs/s-1528185 http://newsfixnow.com/2014/05/15/shaping-healthy-choices-program-puts-kids-on-a-healthy-path/ http://ucdaviscaes.wordpress.com/ http://www.examiner.com/article/school-nutrition-wellness-program-to-improve-eating-choices http://ucanr.edu/?blogpost=16615&blogasset=74534 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Preliminary Analyses: (* = significant at p < 0.05; ** = significant at p < 0.01) The majority of data collected through the SHCP pilot are currently under detailed analysis; however some highlights of preliminary analyses from the Northern California District are included in tables below. Nutrition Knowledge: Initial analyses were conducted using ANCOVA to compare change in mean nutrition knowledge scores between intervention and district-matched control schools, controlling for baseline knowledge score. A significant increase in mean nutrition knowledge change scores was observed at intervention schools compared to control. More sophisticated analyses are underway; however these results suggest that the SHCP pilot had positive effects on nutrition knowledge. Anthropometrics: Dramatic decreases in BMI and BMI percentile were observed at the intervention school compared to its district matched control school. These results were exciting, especially given the short timeframe of the intervention (one academic year). Consistent results were observed with regard to waist-to-height ratios, a good indicator for disease risk, and in children is not dependent upon age, unlike BMI. In addition to the decrease in BMI percentile, a moderate, significant correlation was observed between decrease in BMI z-score and follow-up reported vegetable intake (r=-0.25; P=0.0165). The dramatic decrease in BMI percentile at the intervention school was sustained as there were no significant changes 9 months post-follow up. Additional preliminary feedback provided by teachers at intervention schools and the SHCP nutrition educator indicate that DHC made an impact on student outcomes. Teachers commented that the inquiry-based structure of classroom lessons was allowing some of the "slower" learners to excel in the classroom. Further, the teachers were impressed by students' success in grasping difficult concepts that they had not been exposed to previously. Teachers also appreciated that lessons included many other core subjects, including math. Anthropometric Measurements--Represented as Average Body Mass Index (BMI) Percentile and Classification School BMI Percentile (Baseline) BMI Percentile (Follow-Up) Control 65.0 60.4 Intervention 77.4 67.9** School Percent of Students (Baseline) Percent of Students (Follow-Up) Normal Overweight Obese Normal Overweight Obese Control 44 25 31 62 21 17 Intervention 68 14 18 66 16 19 Students classified as overweight and obese was reduced from 56% to 38% during the one year SHCP was implemented at the northern California school. No significant changes were observed at the control school. Nutrition Knowledge School Nutrition Knowledge (Baseline) Nutrition Knowledge (Follow-Up) Control 20.1 21.4 Intervention 19.5 21.7** After participating in the SHCP there was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in mean nutrition knowledge scores compared to control. For students at the intervention school who scored below the mean at baseline (161 out 176), approximately a 10% increase in scores at follow-up was observed. There was a strong and significant correlation between nutrition knowledge scores and critical thinking scores (BAPS) observed at both baseline and follow-up. Vegetable Consumption--Represented as USDA MyPlate Vegetable Servings per day (excluding white potatoes) School Vegetable Consumption (Baseline) Vegetable Consumption (Follow-up) Control 0.50 0.74 Intervention 0.44 0.71* A 40% increase (p <0.01) in reported vegetable servings per day was observed in students who consumed 1 or less servings per day at baseline at the intervention school. No differences were observed at the control school. Fruit and Vegetable Varieties Offered--Represented as percent change from pre- SHCP intervention and the intervention year School Percent Change (fruit) Percent Change (Vegetables) Control -28 0 Intervention +36 +150 An increase in fruit and vegetable varieties offered was observed at the intervention school. Several analyses are still underway. Preliminary results demonstrate that the SHCP is a promising model for school-based programs and at improving nutrition and health outcomes in students. Results provide an evidence base for state and nationwide dissemination of a tested integrated school-based multi-component program to prevent childhood obesity.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Scherr, R.E., Linnell, J., Smith, M.H., Briggs, M., Bergman, J., Brian, K., Dharmar, M., Feenstra, G., Hillhouse, J.C., Keen, C.L., Nguyen, L.M., Nicholson, Y., Ontai, L.L., Schaefer, S.E., Spezzano, T., Steinberg, F.M, Sutter, C., Wright, J.E., Young, H.M., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Development and Implementation Methodologies of a Multi-Component, School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention, The Shaping Healthy Choices Program. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 46(6):e13-e21, DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2014.08.010. November-December 2014.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Scherr, R.E., Cox, R.J., Feenstra, G., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Integrating local agriculture with nutrition education to improve the health of Californians: Current status of garden-based nutrition education and farm-to-school programs in California schools and after-school programs. California Agriculture 67(1):30-37. DOI: 10.3733/ca.v067n01p30. January-March 2013.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Linnell, JD, Smith, MH, Scherr, RE, Brian, KM, Briggs, M, and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Process Evaluation of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program: a Multi-Component, School-Based Nutrition Intervention. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. In Preparation.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Linnell, JD., Zidenberg-Cherr, S., Briggs, M., Scherr, R.E., Hillhouse, J.C., Brian, K., and Smith, M.H. Development and pilot-testing of a comprehensive garden-enhanced nutrition curriculum that utilizes evidence-based education and behavior change strategies as a part of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Nguyen L, Scherr RE, Linnell JD, Nicholson Y, Spezzano T, Brian K, Ermakov I, Gellermann W, Keen CL, Miyamoto S, Smith MH, Steinberg F, Young HM, Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Evaluating the relationship between plasma and skin carotenoids and reported dietary in elementary school children to assess fruit and vegetable intake. Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Sutter C, Nishina A, Scherr RE, Zidenberg-Cherr S, Ontai LL. Sharing, trading, stealing: Exploring the role of peers in shaping foods available at lunchtime. J Early Adolescence. (In Press) DOI: 10.1177/0272431614566949.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Nguyen, LM., Scherr, RE, Ermakov, I., Gellermann, W., Keen, CL., Miyamoto, S., Steinberg, FM., Young, HM., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Evaluating the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake using plasma and dermal biomarkers and reported dietary intake in 4th-grade children. International Carotenoid Symposium Triennial Meeting. (Park City, 2014).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Linnell, J., MH Smith, RE Scherr, Y Nicholson, T Spezzano, KM Brian, JC Hillhouse, M Briggs, S Zidenberg-Cherr. Multi-Component Nutrition Intervention Featuring a Learner-Centered, Garden-Enhanced Curriculum Improves Nutrition Knowledge. . Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. (Milwaukee 2014).
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: While the SHCP has been implemented in only four schools thus far, the development of a “Best Practices Manual” will promote the replication of the intervention in an increasing number of schools in California. The intervention school in Sacramento will serve as the mentor for the expanding number of sites. The project will be sustained past the funding period through Mentorship Plan with current participating schools. The target audience includes children and their families, teachers, and administration in 2 school districts. We signed a non-disclosure agreement with districts such that we are not currently providing district names. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Professional development for teachers is currently being conducted in one school district and there are additional plans for expanding the professional development through a partnership with UC CalFresh. Professional development has been conducted with UCCE Master Food Preservers in one county. In addition, we have developed and are currently evaluating the following: 1) Professional development for teachers; 2) Professional development for school nutrition services. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results have been disseminated through press releases, UC Delivers and the Center for Nutrition in Schools website (http//cns.ucdavis.edu/). Based on the success of this program, the Shaping Healthy Choices Program abstract (Scherr et. al) from the Experimental Biology Meeting 2014 (San Diego) was one of a small number of abstracts selected by the American Society for Nutrition to be promoted to mainstream media. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Meetings are planned for discussion with the Shaping Healthy Choices Program advisory board to make a plan for policy implementation in additional school district. Data analysis will continue. A forum aimed at highlighting the SHCP for other districts will be provided in Fall 2014. It is anticipated that one of the current school districts will serve as the mentor district to disseminate this model program. A resource guide will be distributed for use for all California school districts. This guide will be fluid with additions made as the program expands.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Preliminary Analyses: (* = significant at p < 0.05; ** = significant at p < 0.01) Anthropometric Measurements—Represented as Average Body Mass Index (BMI) Percentile and Classification School BMI Percentile (Baseline) BMI Percentile (Follow-Up) Carroll Elementary School 77.4 67.9** Edna Batey Elementary School 64.8 61.4 School Percent of Students (Baseline) Percent of Students (Follow-Up) Normal Overweight Obese Normal Overweight Obese Carroll Elementary School** 44 25 31 62 21 17 Edna Batey Elementary School 68 14 18 66 16 19 Students classified as overweight and obese was reduced from 56% to 38% during the one year SHCP was implemented at Carroll Elementary. No significant changes were observed at Edna Batey Elementary. Nutrition Knowledge School Nutrition Knowledge (Baseline) Nutrition Knowledge (Follow-Up) Carroll Elementary School 19.5 21.7** Edna Batey Elementary School 20.1 21.4 After participating in the SHCP there was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in mean nutrition knowledge scores compared to control. For students at Carroll who scored below the mean at baseline (161 out 176), approximately a 10% increase in scores at follow-up was observed. There was a strong and significant correlation between nutrition knowledge scores and critical thinking scores (BAPS) observed at both baseline and follow-up. Vegetable Consumption—Represented as USDA MyPlate Vegetable Servings per day (excluding white potatoes) School Vegetable Consumption (Baseline) Vegetable Consumption (Follow-up) Carroll Elementary School 0.44 0.71* Edna Batey Elementary School 0.50 0.74 A 40% increase (p <0.01) in reported vegetable servings per day was observed in students who consumed 1 or less servings per day at baseline at Carroll. No differences were observed at Batey. Vegetable Preferences— Number of students who positively identified the vegetables (follow-up minus baseline) School Swiss Chard Asparagus Spinach Kohlrabi Yellow Squash Radish Carroll Elementary School 22 32 43 14 33 40 Improvements in vegetable identification were significant with the exception of asparagus (many students were able to identify asparagus at baseline). Physical Activity—Represented as minutes of moderate to very vigorous physical activity per day School Physical Activity (Baseline) Physical Activity (Follow-up) Carroll Elementary School 78.1 103.2* Edna Batey Elementary School 69.3 98.6* Significant increases in physical activity from baseline to follow-up were observed at both Carroll and Batey Elementary Schools. Negative Parenting Practices Related to Feeding Behaviors Family Behaviors School Shared Family Meals per week Restriction Pressure to Eat Monitoring Inconsistent Discipline Carroll Baseline 5.3 3.5 2.8 3.8 2.5 Carroll Follow-up 5.7 ** 3.3** 2.7** 3.7* 2.4** A significant decrease in behaviors that are associated with higher BMI and less fruit and vegetable intake was observed from baseline to follow-up. A significant increase in shared family meals per week was observed. Fruit and Vegetable Varieties Offered—Represented as percent change from pre- SHCP intervention and the intervention year School Percent Change (fruit) Percent Change (Vegetables) Carroll Elementary School +36 +150 Edna Batey Elementary School -28 0 An increase in fruit and vegetable varieties offered was observed at Carroll. Several analyses are still underway. Preliminary results demonstrate that the SHCP is a promising model for school-based programs and at improving nutrition and health outcomes in students. Results provide an evidence base for state and nationwide dissemination of a tested integrated school-based multi-component program to prevent childhood obesity.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Scherr, R.E., Linnell, J., Smith, M.H., Briggs, M., Bergman, J., Brian, K., Feenstra, G., Hillhouse, J.C., Keen, C.L., Nguyen, L.M., Nicholson, Y., Ontai, L., Spezzano, T., Steinberg, F.M, Sutter, C., Wright, J.E., Young, H.M., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Development and Implementation Methodologies of a Multi-Component, School-Based Nutrition Education Intervention, The Shaping Healthy Choices Program. Submitted, reviewed favorably and currently in revision.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Nguyen L, Scherr RE, Linnell J, Nicholson Y, Spezzano T, Brian K, Ermakov I, Gellermann W, Keen C, Miyamoto S, Smith M, Steinberg F, Young H, Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Using a Health Fair as a model to collect biomarker data from children in the school environment. Submitted, reviewed favorably and currently in revision.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Scherr, R.E., Linnell, J., Smith, M.H., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., Bergman, J., Brian, K., Briggs, M., Feenstra, G., Hillhouse, C., Keen, C.L., Nguyen, L., Ontai, L., Schaefer, S., Steinberg, F., Sutter, C., Wright, J., Young, H., Zidenberg-Cherr, S. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program: A Multi-Component, School-Based Approach to Improve Children's Nutrition and Health Behaviors While Supporting Regional Agriculture. UCANR Statewide Conference. 2013 (Ontario, CA, 2013) http://ucanr.edu/sites/statewideconference2013/Call_for_Posters_-_Displays/
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Scherr, R.E., Linnell, J., Smith, M.H., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., Bergman, J., Brian, K., Briggs, M., Feenstra, G., Hillhouse, C., Keen, C.L., Nguyen, L., Ontai, L., Schaefer, S., Steinberg, F., Sutter, C., Wright, J., Young, H., Zidenberg-Cherr, S. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program: A Multi-Component, School-Based Approach to Improve Children's Nutrition and Health Behaviors While Supporting Regional Agriculture. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2013 (Boston, 2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Scherr, R.E., Linnell, J., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., Bergman, J., Brian, K., Briggs, M., Cherr, S., Ermakov, I., Feenstra, G., Hillhouse, C., Keen, C.L., Nguyen, L., Ontai, L., Schaefer, S., Steinberg, F., Sutter, C., Wright, J., Young, H., Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Assessment of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Children Participating in the Shaping Healthy Choices Program. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2013 (Boston, 2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Nguyen, L. Scherr, RE, Linnell, J, Nicholson, Y, Spezzano, T. Brian, K, Briggs, M, Ermakov, I, Gellermann, W, Keen, C, Miyamoto, S, Smith, M, Steinberg, F, Young, HM, and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Evaluating the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake using plasma and dermal biomarkers and reported dietary intake in 4th grade children. . The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2013 (Boston, 2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
RE Scherr, JD Linnell, MH Smith, Y Nicholson, T Spezzano, J Bergman, KM Brian, M Briggs, G Feenstra, C Hillhouse, CL Keen, LM Nguyen, J Omhart L Ontai, F Steinberg, C Sutter, HM Young, S Zidenberg-Cherr. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program results in improved nutrition and health- related outcomes. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2013 (Boston, 2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Linnell, J., Scherr, R.E., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., Brian, K., Zidenberg-Cherr, S. and Smith, M.H. The development and implementation of an inquiry-based nutrition education curriculum for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2013 (Boston, 2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Linnell, J., Brian, K., Scherr, R.E., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., Zidenberg-Cherr, S. and Smith, M.H. Using lesson artifacts to evaluate student acquisition of nutrition terms and concepts and development of science process skills. Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (Portland, 2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Sutter, C., Ontai, L., Scherr, R., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., & Zidenberg-Cherr, S. (March, 2014). Academics and Obesity: Self-regulation in the Classroom and at the Table. Society for Research in Adolescence Biennial Meeting. (Austin, 2014
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
JD Linnell, MH Smith, RE Scherr Y Nicholson, T Spezzano, K Brian, JC Hillhouse, M Briggs, S Zidenberg-Cherr. A multi-component nutrition intervention utilizing a learner-centered, garden-based nutrition curriculum improves nutrition knowledge among fourth-grade students The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2014 (San Diego, 2014)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Sutter, C., Ontai, L., Scherr, R.,Linnell, J., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., & Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Associations Between Parental Feeding Practices and BMI in Middle Childhood: The Role of Childrens Inhibitory Control. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2014 (San Diego, 2014)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Bergman, J., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., Brian, K., Linnell, J., Briggs, M., Feenstra, G., Hillhouse, C., Nguyen, L., Smith, M., Ohmart, J., Ontai, L., Scherr, R., Sutter, C., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Site-specific school wellness committees: a model to support the sustainability of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2014 (San Diego, 2014)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
RE Scherr, JD Linnell, MH Smith, Y Nicholson, T Spezzano, J Bergman, KM Brian, M Briggs, G Feenstra, C Hillhouse, CL Keen, LM Nguyen, J Omhart L Ontai, F Steinberg, C Sutter, HM Young, S Zidenberg-Cherr. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program results in improved nutrition and health- related outcomes. The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2014 (San Diego, 2014)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Sutter, C., Ontai, L.L., Scherr, R., Linnell, J., Nicholson, Y., Spezzano, T., & Zidenberg-Cherr, S.Associations between parental feeding practices and BMI in middle childhood: The role of children's inhibitory control. Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. (Milwaukee 2014)
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project 1- Farm to School approach to improved student health outcomes: IRB approved, Validation of parent questionnaire completed, Pre-testing and post-testing completed in 3 school districts (Winters, Redding and Oakland), Implementation of Farm to School program in 3 pilot schools. Project 2- Impact of Calcium Counts Curriculum on knowledge and behaviors of 5th graders: IRB approved, Reliability and validity measured for Calcium Rich Foods Nutrition Knowledge Test, Reliability and validity measured for Parent Knowledge of Calcium-Rich Foods questionnaire, Dairy Curriculum, Calcium Counts developed, Calcium Counts education program delivered, Pre- and Post Tests completed, Manuscript published. Project 3-The Shaping Healthy Choices Program-A Multi-Component, School-Based Approach to Supporting Regional Agriculture, Promoting Healthy Behaviors, and Reducing Childhood Obesity: IRBs approved, Curriculum tesed, Pre-tests completed in 2 school districts, Implementation of program ongoing. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Project 1- Farm to School approach to improved student health outcomes: The goals of this study are to establish methodologies and determine the feasibility of assessing dietary outcomes resulting from FTS. A subset of 4th grade children in Winters Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OSUD) participated in assessments using a pre- post-test design. Student V preferences were measured using a food preference questionnaire. Acceptance and consumption of V from school lunch was measured by plate waste. Dietary behaviors outside of school were measured with a parent questionnaire. At pre-test, 3.7% of WJUSD students chose and ate V at lunch. Of participating OUSD students, 45.8% chose V at lunch, but only 29.7% ate any of the V taken. V preference, measured on a scale of 0-5 (5 indicating a high level of preference) was 3.3 among WJUSD students and 3.0 among OUSD students. Of surveyed parents, 50% in WJUSD and 34% in OUSD reported that their child asks them to buy selected California specialty crop vegetables. When asked if their child receives a healthy school lunch 61.5% of WJUSD parents and 42.1% of OUSD parents replied "yes". Districts were encouraged to use baseline results in developing strategies for FTS implementation. Post-test data (one year) are being analyzed. Project 2- Impact of Calcium Counts Curriculum on knowledge and behaviors of 5th graders: The purpose of this pilot study was to test a calcium-rich foods curriculum developed by the University of California Davis Center for Nutrition in Schools. Students (n=33) in two 5thgrade classrooms participated in four 30-minute lessons over four weeks. Family newsletters were used to reinforce concepts from the lessons. Pre- and post- measures of student knowledge, parent knowledge and attitudes, and milk consumption during school lunch were collected. Student knowledge questionnaires were tested for construct validity (p<0.01) and reliability (Pearson R=0.79) in a population with similar demographics. Student knowledge increased significantly (p<0.01) from baseline (5.52 +/-1.79) to follow-up (8.24 +/- 1.97) out of a possible total score of 10. Parent knowledge and attitudes did not change significantly. Milk consumption was too low to be included in the analysis. These lessons will be incorporated into future controlled nutrition education interventions. Project 3- The Shaping Healthy Choices Program-A Multi-Component, School-Based Approach to Supporting Regional Agriculture, Promoting Healthy Behaviors, and Reducing Childhood Obesity. Schools meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control (C) or intervention (I) groups. The cornerstone of the SHCP was 20 hours of inquiry based, garden enhanced nutrition education with accompanying family newsletters. An increased variety of regional produce as available at I schools. Mean reported MyPlate vegetable servings for C and I were 0.72 and 0.57, respectively. This model is useful for data collection and evaluation of multi-component school-based nutrition interventions.
Publications
- Scherr, R.E., Cox, R.J., Feenstra, G., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. 2013. Integrating local agriculture with nutrition education to improve the health of Californians: Current status of garden-based nutrition education and farm-to-school programs in California schools and after-school programs. California Agriculture 67(1):30-37. DOI: 10.3733/ca.v067n01p30.
- Scherr, R.E., Briggs, M., Reed, H., and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. 2013. Development and Evaluation of Nutrition Education Competencies and a Competency-Based Resource Guide for Preschool-Aged Children. Journal of Child Nutrition and Management. 35(2) Available at http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Content.aspxid=16361.
- Linnell, J, Briggs, M, S. Zidenberg-Cherr. 2013. Calcium Counts Curriculum Improves Fifth-Graders' Knowledge about Calcium-Rich Foods. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior doi:pii: S1499-4046(12)00571-4. 10.1016/j.jneb.2012.08.006. [Epub ahead of print]
- Abstracts in press: Evaluating the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake using plasma and dermal biomarkers and reported dietary intake in 4th grade children Authors: Lori Nguyen, Scherr, RE, Linnell, J, Nicholson, Y, Spezzano T, Brian, K, Briggs, M, Ermakov, I, Gellermann, W, Keen, C, Miyamoto, S, Smith, M, Steinberg, F, Young, HM, and Zidenberg-Cherr, S. Experimental Biology 2013
- Assessment of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Children Participating in the Shaping Healthy Choices ProgramAuthors: Rachel E Scherr, J Linnell, Y Nicholson, T Spezzano, J Bergman, K Brian, M Briggs, S E Cherr, I Ermakov, G Feenstra, W Gellermann, C Hillhouse, L Nguyen, L Ontai, S Schaefer, M Smith, C Sutter, J Wright, S Zidenberg-Cherr. Experimental Biology 2013
- The development and implementation of an inquiry-based nutrition education curriculum for the Shaping Healthy Choices Program Authors:Jessica Linnell, Rachel Scherr, Yvonne Nicholson, Theresa Spezzano, Kelley Brian, Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr, Martin H. Smith. Experimental Biology 2013
- The Shaping Healthy Choices Program: A Multi-Component, School-Based Approach to Improve Children's Nutrition and Health Behaviors While Supporting Regional Agriculture Authors: Rachel E Scherr, J Linnell, M Smith, Y Nicholson, T Spezzano, J Bergman, K Brian, M Briggs, G Feenstra, C Hillhouse, C L Keen, L Nguyen, L Ontai, S Schaefer, F Steinberg, C Sutter, J Wright, H Young, S Zidenberg-Cherr. Experimental Biology 2013
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project 1- Farm to School approach to improved student health outcomes: IRB approved, Validation of parent questionnaire completed, Pre-testing completed in 3 school districts (Winters, Redding and Oakland), Implementation of Farm to School program in 3 pilot schools. Project 2- Impact of Calcium Counts Curriculum on knowledge and behaviors of 5th graders: IRB approved, Reliability and validity measured for Calcium Rich Foods Nutrition Knowledge Test, Reliability and validity measured for Parent Knowledge of Calcium-Rich Foods questionnaire, Dairy Curriculum, Calcium Counts developed, Calcium Counts education program delivered, Pre- and Post Tests completed, Summary of results delivered to Mt. Diablo elementary school food service staff. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Project 1- Farm to School approach to improved student health outcomes: The goals of this study are to establish methodologies and determine the feasibility of assessing dietary outcomes resulting from FTS. A subset of 4th grade children in Winters Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OSUD) participated in assessments using a pre- post-test design. Student V preferences were measured using a food preference questionnaire. Acceptance and consumption of V from school lunch was measured by plate waste. Dietary behaviors outside of school were measured with a parent questionnaire. At pre-test, 3.7% of WJUSD students chose and ate V at lunch. Of participating OUSD students, 45.8% chose V at lunch, but only 29.7% ate any of the V taken. V preference, measured on a scale of 0-5 (5 indicating a high level of preference) was 3.3 among WJUSD students and 3.0 among OUSD students. Of surveyed parents, 50% in WJUSD and 34% in OUSD reported that their child asks them to buy selected California specialty crop vegetables. When asked if their child receives a healthy school lunch 61.5% of WJUSD parents and 42.1% of OUSD parents replied "yes". Districts were encouraged to use baseline results in developing strategies for FTS implementation. Post-test data will be collected approximately one year post-implementation. Project 2- Impact of Calcium Counts Curriculum on knowledge and behaviors of 5th graders: The purpose of this pilot study was to test a calcium-rich foods curriculum developed by the University of CaliforniaDavis Center for Nutrition in Schools. Students (n=33) in two 5thgrade classrooms participated in four 30-minute lessons over four weeks. Family newsletters were used to reinforce concepts from the lessons. Pre- and post- measures of student knowledge, parent knowledge and attitudes, and milk consumption during school lunch were collected. Student knowledge questionnaires were tested for construct validity (p<0.01) and reliability (Pearson R=0.79) in a population with similar demographics. School demographics: 5.2% qualify for free/reduced lunch; 1.4% AfricanAmerican, 0.6% American Indian/Alaska Native, 5.4% Asian, 2.1% Filipino, 8.3% Hispanic/Latino, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 80.1%White not Hispanic, 2.0% Two or more races. Student knowledge increased significantly (p<0.01) from baseline (5.52 +/-1.79) to follow-up (8.24 +/- 1.97) out of a possible total score of 10. Parent knowledge and attitudes did not change significantly. Milk consumption was too low to be included in the analysis. These lessons will be incorporated into future controlled nutrition education interventions.
Publications
- Evaluating the impact of Farm to School programs on vegetable preference and consumption patterns among school-aged children. Rachel J. Miller, Rachel E. Scherr, Thea Rittenhouse, Gail Feenstra, Jeri Ohmart, Carol Hillhouse, Lucrecia Farfan-Ramire, Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr. Experimental Biology, 2012
- Exposure to calcium-rich foods lessons increases nutrition knowledge among 5th-grade students. Jessica Linnell, Marilyn Briggs, Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr. Experimental Biology, 2012
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The overall objective is to determine if a multi-component, school-based intervention, is effective at promoting healthy lifestyles. Two "sub-projects" will contribute to this effort as discussed below. This project includes one that utilizes a farm-to-school approach to improve children's dietary habits and another that focuses more on increasing the consumption of dairy products. It is anticipated that both projects will contribute to a comprehensive program that addresses several aspects of nutrition and health in the school community. This project has been initiated through extensive planning meetings with school community members and their partners. At this time 3 school districts are participating in the farm-to-school program. The University of California, Davis team for this project will work with three committed school districts (Oakland Unified School District, Winters Joint Unified School District, and Enterprise Elementary School District) and their regional partners with the aim of expanding the schools procurement of local, seasonal fresh produce while enhancing schools ability to integrate school food, nutrition education, school gardens, and classroom lessons by providing outreach and professional development to school personnel, teachers, administrators and parent volunteers. The specific aim of our portion of the study is to assess the changes in food preferences and dietary behaviors of children in participating schools. The survey tools include: Food Preference Survey and a Parent Survey about Nutrition. The appropriate school officials have provided written approval for this project in Winters and similar approval is expected from Oakland Unified School District and Enterprise Elementary School District. The survey tools for the Dairy Education Study include Calcium-Rich Foods Nutrition Knowledge and Parent Knowledge of Calcium-Rich Foods questionnaires. These will be tested for reliability and validity in Penngrove Elementary School in Penngrove California. A description of both studies and appropriate questionnaires have been developed and submitted to the IRB for approval. PARTICIPANTS: Farm to School Study: In partnership with UC Davis ASI and include Gail Feenstra, Carol Hillhouse and Jeri Ohmart. School districts include Oakland Unified, Winters Joint Unified, and Enterprise Elementary. Culinary partners include the team of Evans and Brennan. University of California Cooperative Extension in Alameda and Shasta counties are also partners in the respective school districts. UC Cooperative Extension in Yolo County will be contacted for potential partnership in Winters Joint Unified School District. Training and professional development will be led by Carol Hillhouse and Jeri Ohmart. Dairy Education Study: In partnership with Mt Diablo Unified School District. The project has been designed with extensive input by Kathleen Corrigan, Director, Food and Nutrition Services, Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Pre-testing partner is Penngrove Elementary School, Kathy Larsen, Principal. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The nutrition education program includes implementation of a Farm to School program in 3 school districts in California and a dairy education program in an additional California school district located in Mt. Diablo. Both projects are in the planning phase with pre-testing expected in February through September (dates are district specific). Permission to work within the schools required extensive meetings with partners and school nutrition services. Documents were prepared for approval. After discussion with school personnel, study design and survey tools had to be revised to reduce class time due to the concern expressed by principals that their teachers had specific content requirements and that the nutrition program must not interfere with class time. The dairy education program requires pre-testing of survey tools in Penngrove Elementary School. Approval has been obtained from the principal of that school. Following testing of materials, the final products with be used for assessment in the Mt Diablo Unified School District. Resources provided for the principal investigator to work with graduate students and collaborators to design acceptable methods for study implementation. At this time all materials have been submitted to IRB for approval.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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