Environmental interventions to promote vegetable and fruit consumption among youth in school settings

Background. This paper reviews the available literature on the school food environment with a focus on identifying effective strategies to promote vegetable and fruit (VF) consumption among youth in school settings. Methods. Studies were identified through a search of electronic databases as well as references cited within published articles. Seven studies were identified that evaluated changes in VF intake and included a control group. Four additional school-based interventions were reviewed that focused on changes in VF intake as part of a multibehavior intervention. Results. Multicomponent school interventions have been effective in increasing F intake, with reported increases ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 servings per day. Impact on V intake has been less effective, with increases ranging from 0 to 0.3 servings per day. Total VF increases ranged from 0 to 0.6 servings per day. Results of environmental-only, school-based interventions have shown positive effects on students' choice of targeted foods. Conclusions. Environmental change interventions in schools show potential for positively affecting VF consumption among youth. (C) 2003 American Health Foundation and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.