A Literature Review: Integrating a Nutrition Program in an Elementary School
Graduation Date
Spring 2003
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
This study examines the procedures for implementing a nutrition program in a public elementary school. The goal is to promote elementary aged children to make healthy and nutritional food choices and decrease the number of obese children, the number of learning disabilities, and the amount of hyperactive students. Nutrition scientists have found that a balanced meal, eating foods from more than four food groups, is the soundest diet. According to Prince's book, Feed Your Kids Bright. "The right foods opened doors to interest, curiosity, enthusiasm, imagination, motivation, and the courage to try something new (Prince, 22)."
This paper is a literature review on how to implement a nutrition program in a public elementary school classroom. The purpose of the study is to examine nutrition programs within the public elementary school setting. This paper explores three nutrition programs available to teachers in the northern San Francisco Bay Area. The reviewed programs are Healthy Choices, a program designed for primary-aged students that teaches students how to create balanced meals, TWIGS, a hands-on program, and California 5-day Power Play, powerful lessons that emphasize fruits and vegetables.