Evaluation of the Energize Your Life! Social Marketing Campaign Pilot Study to Increase Fruit Intake Among Community College Students

In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of the Energize Your Life! social-marketing campaign pilot study to improve knowledge, attitudes, and fruit intake among community college students. The authors used a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, pre- and posttest design. They randomly selected community college students (N = 1,367) and exposed the intervention campus to fruit fairs to distribute fresh fruit, 100% fruit juice, and fruit smoothie samples and information about fruit to students. The authors also addressed policy change to increase the accessibility of fruit on campus. There was a significant increase in fruit intake between pre- and posttest at the intervention campus. Although students had positive attitudes toward intake, most did not achieve the minimum recommended daily 2 servings of fruit. Approximately 25% of the students had insufficient funds, which affected their food intake. Longer-term social marketing interventions may be an effective means of improving the dietary quality of community college students.