Supper Heroes: Examining the Impact of an Online Eating Intervention for Families

Decrease in avoidable food waste

The amount of avoidable food waste generated is measured as the difference in weight (grams) between baseline (T0), post-intervention/control (T1), and 6-month follow-up (T2), as assessed by weighed food waste diaries. Participants will complete a food waste diary using a provided kitchen scale and detailed instructions on how to do so. The amount of avoidable food waste will be compared between participants in the Supper Heroes intervention group and those in the control group. Measurement Tool: Food waste diary and kitchen scale. Unit of Measure: Families will be asked to list all food thrown away, the weight of the food (gams) and the reason the food was thrown away (e.g., it went bad) for 7 days. Time Points: Baseline (T0): post-intervention/control (T1 - after completion of either intervention or control activities, 7 weeks); follow-up (T2 - 6 months after completing the intervention or control activities).

Increased intake of plant-based foods among parents and children.

The amount of plant-based foods consumed by parents and children is measured as the mean servings of plant-based foods, as assessed by a web-based food frequency questionnaire. This will be compared between participants in the Supper Heroes intervention group and those in the control group. Measurement Tool: Food frequency questionnaire adapted from Canadian Diet History Questionnaire II Unit of Measure: Servings of plant-based foods consumed per day Time Points: Baseline (T0): post-intervention/control (T1 - after completion of either intervention or control activities, 7 weeks); follow-up (T2 - 6 months after completing the intervention or control activities).

Decreased intake of red and processed meats among parents and children.

The amount of red and processed meats consumed by parents and children, measured as the average daily intake (servings) of red and processed meats, as assessed by a web-based food frequency questionnaire. This will be compared between participants in the Supper Heroes intervention group and those in the control group. Measurement Tool: Food frequency questionnaire adapted from Canadian Diet History Questionnaire II Unit of Measure: Servings of red and processed meats consumed per day Time Points: Baseline (T0): post-intervention/control (T1 - after completion of either intervention or control activities, 7 weeks); follow-up (T2 - 6 months after completing the intervention or control activities).

Evaluate mechanisms of behaviour change.

The changes in parents' and children's attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, measured using items previously validated in the feasibility study, as potential mediators of the intervention effects on the primary and secondary outcomes. These constructs will be assessed before and after the intervention to determine their role in mediating changes in behavior, such as the intake of plant-based foods and red/processed meats. Time Points: Baseline (T0): post-intervention/control (T1 - after completion of either intervention or control activities, 7 weeks).