Children learned to grow vegetables and the value of a healthy lifestyle in a school-based program tailored for their low-income, desert community, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015.
The American Heart Association teamed up with Johns Hopkins University to implement the Teaching Gardens program among 177 4th and 5th grade students at two elementary schools in Clark County, Nevada. Not only did the children learn about the value of healthy nutrition and physical activity but the program also included parent workshops and a farmer's market.
At the programs end, the children:
- were more aware of and likely to eat the daily recommended amount of fruit and vegetables;
- could easily identify at least three healthy snacks; and
- were knowledgeable about daily recommended screen time and more likely to participate in physical activity.
Source: American Heart Association