A Pilot Study for Plant the Seed: A Nutrition Education Program Using Local Food Environment to Put Theory into Action

Authors

Yeon Bai, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Shahla M. Wunderlich, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Karen A. Lee, Montclair State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Journal / Book Title

International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to implement Plant the Seed, a garden-based nutrition education program designed to reconnect children with locally grown food, food environments of the past and present, and the benefits of eating seasonal foods. The pilot study investigates the environmental context and theory variables known to influence healthy food choice behavior. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) provided a framework for the program’s curriculum and evaluation. The target audience is middle school students. Plant the Seed is a two-part program. In Part 1 (classroom), students participate in practical, interactive activities based on specific educational objectives that target theory mediators. In Part 2 (field trip), students rotate through the community farm, kitchen herb garden, and historic kitchen to engage in hands-on program activities. Pretest/posttest evaluation compared to control and intervention students from two schools measured program effectiveness. Intervention school students (n = 16) improved behavioral intention (3.40 vs 3.53, P = 0.34), historical social norm (3.40 vs 3.79, P = 0.03), and outcome expectations (3.91 vs 4.19, P = 0.03). No change in variables among control students (n = 10).

Plant the Seed had a positive impact on factors associated with healthy eating behavior. This program demonstrates how to effectively engage community resources, to promote the development and implementation of gardening environments that create hands-on opportunities for children to become directly connected to local food production, to learn about the environmental benefits of eating locally grown foods and to allow children to have access to a positive, sustainable food environment. Plant the Seed can serve as a model for future theory and garden-based nutrition intervention programs.

DOI

10.2495/SDP-V11-N6-1028-1036

MSU Digital Commons Citation

Bai, Yeon; Wunderlich, Shahla M.; and Lee, Karen A., "A Pilot Study for Plant the Seed: A Nutrition Education Program Using Local Food Environment to Put Theory into Action" (2016). Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works. 11.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/nutr-foodstudies-facpubs/11

Published Citation

LEE, KAREN A., YEON BAI, and SHAHLA M. WUNDERLICH. "A pilot study for plant the seed: a nutrition education program using local food environment to put theory into action." Environmental & Economic Impact on Sustainable Development (2016): 202.