An intervention focused on gardening and physical activity for third-graders attending Title I schools achieved some success, but the data showed no changes in vegetable consumption, no increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity, and no decrease in sedentary time.
The positive results included significant improvements in:
- Vegetable preference
- Vegetable tasting
- Nutrition knowledge
Participant data also showed an increase in parents and students being active together, and a decrease in BMI.
Critically, however, the study found that the intervention was not widely supported in the home environment, which reduced the effectiveness of the intervention.
Big Picture
“School-based gardening and PA interventions targeting young children can be effective in promoting behaviors that are conducive to healthy weight among children. However, without complementary home-focused components, the school-based interventions have limited success.” – Study Authors
Interventions, public policies, and school campaigns to improve nutrition and physical activity levels of students attending low-income schools should address the resource limitations that many low-income families experience at home.
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Why It Matters
Interventions, public health policies, and school campaigns to improve nutrition and physical activity levels of students attending low-income schools should address the resource limitations that many low-income families experience at home. Without addressing the limitations at home, the interventions/policies/campaigns can be effective in increasing knowledge and awareness of healthy behaviors, but will have little impact on the overall health of the student.
