Harvest for Healthy Kids: A nutrition education curriculum aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework

Authors

  • Betty Izumi Portland State University
  • Jessica Hoffman Northeastern University
  • Cara Eckhardt Portland State University
  • Angela Johnson
  • Jennifer Hallman
  • Dawn Barberis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55370/hsdialog.v18i2.335

Keywords:

Head Start, nutrition education, farm-to-preschool, community-based participatory research, curriculum, Harvest for Healthy Kids

Abstract

Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables are critical for overall health and well-being. Early care and education settings have enormous potential to promote fruit and vegetable intake. In this pilot study, we present and assess the usability of the Harvest for Healthy Kids curriculum, a nutrition education curriculum aligned with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework and developed in collaboration with Head Start administrators and teachers. We used pre- and post-intervention surveys and conducted a focus group to assess curriculum usability. At baseline and post-intervention, the teachers perceived that the curriculum was easy to understand and an acceptable and feasible way to promote fruit and vegetable intake among children. At post-intervention, the teachers perceived that the curriculum required greater systems-level supports. Access to resources, training, alignment with Head Start policies and practices, and support from administrators emerged as critical factors for curriculum implementation.

Author Biography

Betty Izumi, Portland State University

Betty Izumi is assistant professor in the School of Community Health at Portland State University.

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Published

2015-11-19

Issue

Section

Research Articles