Abstract
This study implemented and evaluated a 12-week, theory-based nutrition intervention, incorporating hands-on activities, healthy snack preparation, and goal setting among rural children (ages 8-15, n = 44). Paired samples t tests measured participant changes in outcomes from pretest to posttest, including anthropometric measures, self-efficacy, and nutrition knowledge and behaviors. Significant decreases in servings per week of sweetened beverages (22.3 +/- 9.7 to 16.8 +/- 7.8, P < .001), sweet snacks (11.3 +/- 8.1 to 7.5 +/- 4.4, P = .03) and salty snacks (6.5 +/- 4.2 to 3.7 +/- 2.5, P = .001) were reported. More changes to diet may occur in situations where children are able to choose their own food.