The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the (Brighter Bites (BB) intervention compared to a wait-list control group 9 months after the intervention on changes in primary child outcomes (HbA1c, and vegetable intake), on changes in secondary outcomes (household food security status, parent and child dietary behaviors, and home access/availability of fruits and vegetables (FV)), and the mediational influence of changes in food security status, parent outcomes, and home environment measures on changes in child outcomes.
enrollment of 100 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students
high proportion of children participating in the free and reduced lunch (FRL) program (>70%)
willingness to implement a coordinated school health (CSH) program
Prior participation in BB in the previous school year
children or parents identified as special needs per school; or having any physical, cognitive, or psychological disability that would prevent participation in evaluation measures
Parallel
Brighter Bites
Other interventionFamilies will receive a distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) (\~20lbs., 50 servings/family/distribution) for \~16 weeks during the school year using primarily donated produce from local food banks. Nutrition education will be implemented for children using the evidence-based Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program and for parents using bilingual nutrition handbooks and fun food experiences such as healthy FV recipe tastings for families during produce pick-up time will be conducted.
Change in level of child Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
We will utilize the portable HbA1c analyzers (DCA Vantage analyzer) to assess HbA1c, during biometric events.
Change in amount of child vegetable intake as assessed by the VEGGIE METER®
The VEGGIE METER® is used to obtain a child's quantitative metric of skin carotenoids, a proxy measure of FV intake for children. The VEGGIE METER® measures skin carotenoids as an indicator of FV intake. Higher number of carotenoid levels indicate more FV intake.
Change in household food security status as assessed by a parent survey
Household Food Insecurity will be measured using 2-item Hunger Vital Sign food security survey and 4-items adapted from the Center for Nutrition and Health Impact, for a total of 6-items. The items are scored from 0 (if the participant selects "Always") to 4 (if the participant selects "Never") and the measure's score is the mean of the responses. The higher the participant's score, the greater degree of the household nutrition security.
Number of servings consumed by the parent as assessed by the Adapted Health of Houston Survey (HHS) on processed food/drinks 4-items, and fruit and vegetable intake 2 items.
This is a 6-item questionnaire. The parent responds the number of servings they consumed during the time period. Servings are calculated based on the servings per day.
Number of servings consumed by the Child as assessed by the NIH's Eating at America's Table questionnaire (All Day) and the Dietary Screener Questionnaires
This is a 6-item questionnaire. The parent responds the number of servings their child consumed during the time period. Servings are calculated based on the servings per day.
Child systolic blood pressure
Child's systolic blood pressure will be obtained with an automatic cuff according to recommendations of the American Heart Association. This will be measure during biometric events.
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The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
