School-Based Nutrition Interventions for Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

School-based nutrition interventions aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption have emerged as a pivotal strategy for establishing healthy dietary patterns early in life and mitigating the long-term risk of non-communicable diseases. These interventions encompass direct provision of free or subsidised produce, incorporation of nutrition education into the formal curriculum, modifications to the school food environment and engagement of parents and the wider community. By enhancing accessibility, shaping preferences and imparting practical skills, such programmes seek to promote sustained increases in daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Evaluations have demonstrated improvements in intake, positive shifts in attitudes and modest effects on weight-related outcomes, while underscoring the necessity of continuous implementation, cultural adaptation and targeting of socio-economic inequalities. Emerging approaches further investigate digital platforms, peer support mechanisms and policy alignment to bolster the efficacy and reach of school-based initiatives. Through these multifaceted efforts, schools serve as a strategic focal point for public health action on diet, with implications for both child well-being and academic performance.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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School-Based Nutrition Interventions for Fruit and Vegetable Consumption publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in school-based nutrition interventions for fruit and vegetable consumption across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Cluster-randomised trial: An experimental study design in which intact groups rather than individual participants are randomly allocated to different interventions.

Body mass index (BMI): A numerical value derived from an individual’s weight and height used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity.

Socio-economic position: The combined social and economic factors, such as income, education and occupation, that influence an individual’s or group’s standing in society.

Media health literacy: The capacity to access, understand and critically evaluate health information disseminated through various media channels.

References

1. A Systematic Review of Healthy Nutrition Intervention Programs in Kindergarten and Primary Education. Nutrients (2023).
2. Effect of Ending the Nationwide Free School Fruit Scheme on the Intake of Fruits, Vegetables, and Unhealthy Snacks in Norwegian School Children Aged 10–12 Years. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023).
3. Testing methods to increase consumption of healthy foods evidence from a school-based field experiment in Viet Nam. Food Policy (2021).
4. The impact of an innovative web-based school nutrition intervention to increase fruits and vegetables and milk and alternatives in adolescents: a clustered randomized trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2017).