Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Go Wild With Whole Grains! School-Based Program: Positive Impacts Among Children, Joshua Bailey, Sara Van Offelen, Hyunjun Kim, Marla Reicks

The Journal of Extension

Whole grain foods have been associated with health benefits, yet are underconsumed by youth compared to recommendations. This study evaluated impacts of a school-based curriculum among children in grades 3-5 to address barriers to intake (2018-2019) (n = 1,748). Surveys before and after the program indicated youth were more willing to try and better able to identify whole grain foods. Open-ended responses confirmed findings regarding increased ability to identify whole grain foods, increased preferences and perceptions of availability. Together, these impacts could increase the likelihood that youth can meet whole grain intake recommendations to improve diet quality and health.