Addressing Childhood Hunger during the Summer Months: Using Gleaned Produce for Snacks and Interactive Nutrition Education on Food Systems and Healthy Eating

Kendra Oo, Tammy Stephenson, Amanda Hege, Dawn Brewer, Luisyana Gamboa, Leslie Hildesheim, Lauren Serra, Jessica Houlihan, Annie Koempel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the United States, 6.5 million children experience food insecurity. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the Building Blocks for Healthy Kids summer nutrition education program for low-income children. Twenty-six children ages 6–11 years participated in the six-lesson program that included snacks incorporating gleaned produce. Plate waste data indicated 55-80% of the served snack was consumed. Knowledge related to nutrition and food systems increased between pre- and post-intervention (p < .0001). At post-intervention, children reported practicing more mindful and sustainable eating practices. Overall, the program increased knowledge and improved food-related behaviors in low-income children.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)527-539
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 3 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

  • Food insecurity
  • children
  • food system
  • fruit and vegetable intake
  • gleaning
  • nutrition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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