A School Nutrition Program Improves Vegetable and Fruit Knowledge, Preferences, and Exposure in First Nation Youth

Addressing the high prevalence of overweight and obesity is a priority for Aboriginal youth. This study evaluated the implementation of a comprehensive school-wide vegetable and fruit program for grade six to eight First Nation students in Fort Albany, Ontario. The impact on nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy, and intentions to eat more vegetables and fruit was evaluated using the Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Intentions questionnaire, adapted from the Pro-Children Questionnaire. Evaluation also included focus groups with teachers and questionnaires for parents/guardians and students to assess satisfaction. In this sample of students, the program improved knowledge, exposure to, and preferences for vegetables and fruit, but did not impact intentions or self-efficacy. Thus, school nutrition programs may be popular and effective in shifting knowledge and preferences to consume healthy foods; however, no sustained benefit can be achieved without addressing barriers to access to affordable, healthy foods in remote communities.