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July / August 2024

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AJHE: American Journal of Health Education



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  July / August 2024 (Volume 55, Issue 4)

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Table of Contents

Free Access Article
Student Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Middle School Lunch Programs: A Qualitative Study

– Catheryn A. Orihuela, Retta Evans, and Sylvie Mrug

Background: Despite the establishment of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) in 2010, child nutrition programs continue to experience challenges impacting participation. Prior qualitative studies have explored how to reduce barriers to implementation of these programs in schools, but few studies have examined attitudes held by students, who are the ultimate stakeholders in school lunch programs and their success.

Purpose: The present study explored children’s attitudes about food at school and suggestions for improving the school lunch program.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted during the 2018–2019 school year in five middle schools. Students (N = 21) participating in a larger study were invited to take part in focus groups at school.

Results: Qualitative analyses revealed that children were knowledgeable about healthy eating but had strong opinions about disliking some foods served at school. Children had thoughtful ideas about improving school food and recommendations to encourage healthy eating among students.

Discussion: Insights from this qualitative investigation highlight the importance of considering the child's perspective when implementing food nutrition programs.

Translation to Health Education Practice: Health promotion efforts to improve the school nutrition environment include engaging families in school nutrition policy decisions and improved training and resources for food service staff.

Commentary

Health via Art, Media, Storytelling: Design Implications of a Freirean Framework

 

Leveraging Multi-Level Influences for Proactive Campus Health: A Commentary on Social-Ecological Model Integration During Public Health Emergencies

 

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Evaluating the Understandability and Actionability of Internet Information on Anemia

 

Exploring Employees’ Motivation and Perceived Benefits of Using a Mobile Standing Desk in the Flexible Work Environment: A Qualitative Study

 

Effectiveness of Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Cardiovascular Indicators of Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial

 

Loneliness and Depressive Symptoms: Moderation and Mediation Model

 

Student Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Middle School Lunch Programs: A Qualitative Study