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An Evaluation of Elementary School Nutrition Practices and Policies in a Southern Illinois CountyJennifer S. Sherry, RDH, MSEd, is an assistant professor in the Dental Hygiene Program, School of Allied Health, Southern Illinois University Carbondale The purpose of this study is to assess elementary school nutrition programs in a rural county in southern Illinois. The researcher interviewed the food service managers of eight schools and completed the School Health Index (SHI) based on their responses. Eighty-seven percent of the schools did not have venues such as vending machines outside the cafeteria. Three food service managers stated that from 75% to 80% of the students in the district ate lunch in the cafeteria. The SHI corresponds to the eight components of a coordinated school health program; nutrition services are just one of the eight components. The SHI is a tool that can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the nutrition program. It covers items from healthy, low-fat choices to food preparation and cafeteria practices. School nurses can work with teachers and food service personnel to create nutrition programs and a curriculum related to healthy nutrition practices.
Key Words: School Health Index food service managers nutrition services elementary schools cafeteria vending machines
The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 24, No. 4,
222-228 (2008) |
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