Department of Research, ETR Associates, 4 Carbonero Way, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, USA.
J Sch Health. 2011 Apr;81(4):202-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00580.x.
During the 2004-2005 school year, the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition, initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day. This article describes the first-year implementation of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program.
The process evaluation addressed where, when, and how produce was distributed; what was distributed; challenges and successes; and recommended modifications. Five of the 25 program schools were selected to participate in the evaluation; selection was based on grade levels served and demographic characteristics. Data were collected from program staff (N = 11) and administrators (N = 6) via interviews and logs; student (N = 42) and parent (N = 19) focus groups; student questionnaires (N = 660); and school staff questionnaires (N = 207).
Distributing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at school was well received by staff and students. Most schools distributed the fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at morning break in classrooms or a central courtyard. Twenty-two types of fresh fruit, 4 types of dried fruit, and 7 types of vegetables were served to students during the program year. Commonly distributed fruit included apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and tangerines. Carrots were the staple vegetable, followed by celery. Key challenges included getting students to try new foods and receiving the produce in a timely manner without spoiling. Main successes included seeing students try new fruit and vegetable snacks, having the program run smoothly, and teacher support.
The program fit well within the school structure and could be an effective component of a multifaceted approach to enhancing child nutrition.
在 2004-2005 学年，密西西比州教育部儿童营养办公室启动了一项试点计划，在学校日为学生提供免费的水果和蔬菜零食。本文描述了密西西比州水果和蔬菜试点计划的第一年实施情况。
过程评估涉及在何处、何时以及如何分发农产品；分发了什么；挑战和成功；以及推荐的修改。在 25 所参与计划的学校中选择了 5 所参与评估；选择基于所服务的年级和人口特征。通过访谈和日志、学生（N=42）和家长（N=19）焦点小组、学生问卷（N=660）和学校工作人员问卷（N=207）从计划工作人员（N=11）和管理人员（N=6）收集数据。
在学校分发新鲜水果和蔬菜零食受到工作人员和学生的欢迎。大多数学校在上午课间休息时在教室或中央庭院向学生分发新鲜水果和蔬菜零食。在计划学年期间，向学生提供了 22 种新鲜水果、4 种干果和 7 种蔬菜。常见的分发水果包括苹果、橙子、梨、香蕉和橘子。胡萝卜是主要的蔬菜，其次是芹菜。主要挑战包括让学生尝试新食物并及时收到不会变质的农产品。主要成功包括看到学生尝试新的水果和蔬菜零食、计划顺利进行以及教师的支持。
该计划非常适合学校结构，可以成为增强儿童营养的多方面方法的有效组成部分。
