Evaluation of a K-2 Elementary Nutrition Education Program

Objective: We compared nutrition-related knowledge, behaviors, and self-efficacy between 3rd grade students who received a School Enrichment Kit Program (SEKP) (intervention) and those who did not (control). Methods: One survey was administered to intervention (N = 79) and control (N = 112) students. Group differences and relationships between constructs were assessed using a t-test and regression analysis, respectively. Results: The intervention group had significantly higher scores on some knowledge variables, summary knowledge score, vegetable and breakfast consumption, and summary behavior score (p < .05). Girls scored higher than boys on most variables. Self-efficacy (β=.54, p < .0001) was a stronger predictor than knowledge (β=.08, p = .435) for behavior outcomes. Conclusions: SEKP appeared to be an effective K-2 nutrition intervention for improving behaviors such as vegetable and breakfast consumption, and some nutrition knowledge.