Margaritis, Maria

Incorporating Nutritional Practices into Elementary School Classrooms

Keywords: Healthy Eating, Nutrition Education, Elementary Schools

Abstract

Nutrition is an issue that affects the lives of thousands of families and students nationwide. Over the past several years the Ontario Ministry of Education has made several changes to the way schools are being operated, in an effort to assist students and families in living healthier lives. This research study will explore some of these new initiatives that promote healthy eating and nutrition education in schools, and how these ideas can be further extended to elementary school classrooms by teachers. This study attempts to answer the main research question of: How can teachers promote healthy eating habits and nutrition in elementary school classrooms? The two participants involved in the study were selected based on their knowledge, interest and experience in promoting nutrition education in schools, classrooms and with students. The preliminary findings suggest that there are several strategies that enable teachers to successfully infuse nutritional literacy and healthy eating habits into their everyday program, and that these practices may have a positive effect on student eating habits.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my research supervisors Dr. Clive Beck and Tim Fletcher as they were a wonderful resource, support and guidance throughout the entire research process. As well, my research team members for always listening and offering great ideas and feedback. In addition, I would like to thank my research participants who made the entire research project possible by sharing their valuable information, experiences, insights and time. Finally, my mother who helped inspire the idea for the study and for always believing in me.