Maryam Ganjavi^1,, Joycelyn Peterson¹

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that half of one's plate be filled with fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, adherence to these guidelines remains low among children in the U.S. This pilot study explores the feasibility and potential impact of a multi-component nutrition education program on children's dietary habits using a pre-post intervention design. The program was implemented at an elementary school in Baltimore, targeting 3rd to 5th graders, and included educational sessions, cooking, gardening, and grocery shopping activities. Two cohorts participated: 17 students in the Fall and 16 in the Spring semester. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using a validated 25-question survey to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and dietary behaviors. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test to examine paired differences and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Preliminary results indicated significant increases in the consumption of whole grains, dairy, vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins (e.g., fish, nuts, and eggs). Additionally, participants demonstrated improved attitudes toward drinking low-fat milk and choosing low-sugar beverages. These findings suggest that the program may have positively influenced children's dietary habits and attitudes toward healthier food choices. This pilot study provides promising evidence that a well-structured, hands-on nutrition education program can enhance children's dietary behaviors, potentially contributing to long-term health improvements and chronic disease prevention.

Nutrition education, children, dietary habits, intervention, school-based programs, healthy eating, food desert