Embargoed for Release October 21, 2001
COLUMBUS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL RELEASES FINDINGS SHOWING SCHOOL LUNCH ENTREES IMPACT FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION BY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTSResearch Suggests Decreasing Entree Portion Size May Increase Intake of Fruits and Vegetables
SAN FRANCISCO, OCTOBER 21, 2001 -- A study at Columbus Children's Hospital suggests that by decreasing entree sizes in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), in accordance with USDA regulations, children may be more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. Currently, U.S. schoolchildren consume less than 15 percent of the recommended daily servings of fruit and less than 20 percent of the recommended daily servings of vegetables. Researcher Kristina L. Houser, M.S., R.D., L.D., along with Robert D. Murray, M.D., and Susan A. Hennis, D.T.R., of the Borden Center for Nutrition and Wellness at Columbus Children's Hospital, presented the findings Sunday, October 21 at the 2001 American Academy of Pediatrics' annual meeting.
"This study examined three menus that were repeated each month for nine months," Houser said. "Regardless of the entree, students ate 67 percent of their meal. We learned that the more children ate of the entree (e.g., chicken nuggets or pizza burgers), the less fruits and vegetables were eaten."
Potentially one-third of a child's nutritional needs could be met through the NSLP, which by law includes fruits and vegetables. "We realize entree choice is key to encouraging students to participate in the NSLP," Houser said. "We're not suggesting omitting popular entree choices from the menu, but simply decreasing the size of those entrees."
The research team has plans to further test the theory that decreasing entree portion sizes will increase the students' fruit and vegetable consumption.
"Educating students in dietary practice during childhood will encourage continuation of balanced nutrition into adulthood," Houser said. "Research shows a positive correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and long-term health."
The researchers also conducted a nutrition intervention program at the elementary school. "Team Nutrition (UDSA)" allowed students to increase their understanding of nutrition. "We provided teachers with a 15-20 minute lecture on nutrition, and an employee of the Borden Center for Nutrition and Wellness at Columbus Children's Hospital came to the classroom to reinforce the lecture with hands-on learning," Houser said.
Columbus Children's Hospital ranks among the top 10 in NIH research awards and grants to freestanding children's hospitals in the country. With nearly 500,000 patient visits each year, Children's Hospital is a 109-year-old pediatric healthcare network treating newborns through age 21. In 2000, the Children's Research Institute conducted more than 90 research projects. Pediatric Clinical Trials International (PCTI), a site management organization affiliated with the hospital, also coordinated 43 clinical trials. In addition to having one of the largest ambulatory programs in the country, Children's offers specialty programs and services, including more than 18 support groups. Each year, more than 75,000 consumers receive health and wellness education and 2,500 students from 50 institutions and 500 residents receive training at Children's. More information on Children's Hospital of Columbus is available by calling (614) 722-KIDS (5437) or through the hospital's Web site at http://www.childrenscolumbus.org.
Editor's Note: In addition to the school nutrition program, the researchers at Columbus Children's Hospital Borden Center are devising creative tactics to make use of the National School Lunch Program's federal commodities, such as black beans and fruit cocktail. The nutritionists developed unique recipes to expose children to foods that may have not been favorites or were unfamiliar to them, such as brownies made with black beans. If you would like more information, please contact Pam Barber, Columbus Children's Hospital, (614) 722-4598, to speak with one of the researchers.
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