An Evaluation of Discover Myplate: An Inquiry- Based Nutrition Education Curriculum for Kindergarten Students

Abstract

indicates a significant increase in savory and sweet snacks in the diets of children aged 2 to 6 year [4]. The consumption of high-fat processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages that contribute excess calories to children's diets, along with the increased use of technology and decrease in physical activity, have significantly impacted children's health [9]. Concordantly, the prevalence of obesity for children aged 2 to 19 has tripled in the past 30 years from 5.5 percent in 1980 to 16.9 percent in 2012 [6]. As seen in a cohort study of 9,000 students, the prevalence of obesity increased from 12.4 percent overweight or obese in kindergarten to 20.8 of the same students by eighth grade [3]. With the current diets of children and the increased rates of overweight and obesity, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes the need for nutrition education programs to influence children's dietary intake [14]. While parents and early feeding practices greatly affect a child's eating behavior, formal education in the schools and community programs can play a significant role in establishing these behaviors [16]. Especially if the child lacks an avenue for learning about nutrition in the family or home, nutrition education may have to rely on sources outside the home [10]. The United States Department of Agriculture's Team Nutrition released the Discover MyPlate nutrition education curriculum for kindergarten students in June 2014 (White et al. 2014). Although formative research was completed in developing the curriculum, no published evaluation of the curriculum has been identified. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of five 30-minute nutrition education lessons from the Discover MyPlate curriculum on the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and healthy eating behaviors of kindergarten students in a rural, Midwestern school district. Abstract The prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years. Establishing healthy eating and physical activity patterns at an early age lowers the risk of obesity, making schools an important partner in establishing healthy lifestyle in children. Using an experimental design, this study was conducted in a rural Midwestern school district to examine the impact of five 30-minute nutrition education lessons from Discover MyPlate with a focus on the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and healthy eating behaviors of kindergarten students. The results suggest that Discover MyPlate was effective for teaching children about healthy eating. However, no evidence was obtained to indicate eating behaviors were immediately affected.