Laurel Lambert - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Laurel Lambert

Research paper thumbnail of Teachers’ Perceptions of Integrating Tower Gardens into Pre-K4 Curriculum

Schools play an integral role in providing opportunities for children of all ages to be exposed t... more Schools play an integral role in providing opportunities for children of all ages to be exposed to nutrition education. There are a variety of ways children can receive nutrition education in the school setting, such as explicit lessons, modeled dialogue, and exposure to nutrition-based principles. However, there continues to be a disconnect between teacher perceptions of nutrition education and time spent implementing it in the classroom. Nutrition education can come in many forms, including hands-on gardening and explicit discussions on the impact of food choices on overall health. Effective nutrition education in any form elicits numerous benefits for children, but there are a multitude of barriers that inhibit teachers from implementing hands-on gardening into their classrooms-such as time, space, and teacher self-efficacy. Tower Gardens, otherwise known as hydro-and aeroponic, vertical gardening systems, offer an alternative to the space and time required for traditional gardening. Nonetheless, the body of literature surrounding the impact and feasibility of implementing tower gardening systems is limited, specifically in the preschool setting. Therefore, this study explored teachers' perceptions of and experiences with implementing Tower Gardens into pre-kindergarten 4-year-old (pre-K4) classrooms. A qualitative approach was employed wherein a focus group was conducted with pre-K-4 teachers who integrated Tower Gardens

Research paper thumbnail of Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities: early childhood teachers’ perceptions of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum

Public Health Nutrition, 2021

Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely e... more Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely emphasised in early childhood education. Integration of nutrition into academic content is warranted, still its ability to positively impact teaching and learning has been understudied. Therefore, the current study explored the feasibility of application in the classroom and the perceived usability of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum. Design: Early childhood teachers’ perceptions of four nutrition-integrated lessons were explored through a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through pre- and post-focus groups, lesson observations and teacher feedback. Focus group transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and supplemented with observations and lesson feedback. Setting: This pilot study took place in Northwest Mississippi at three pre-schools which are part of the Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative. Participants: A non-probability convenience sa...

Research paper thumbnail of Integration of Service-learning Activities into Three Food and Nutrition Courses: Benefits and Challenges

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of Elementary School Nutrition Education Practices by School Foodservice Directors, Teachers, and Principals

Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions and practices of foodservice... more Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions and practices of foodservice directors, teachers, and principals in regards to providing nutrition education to elementary students. Methods Foodservice directors, teachers, and principals completed a survey designed to obtain information concerning their perceptions and practices of providing nutrition education to elementary school students in Arkansas and Idaho. Respondents indicated their level of agreement to 28 statements using a Likert-type rating scale (1 = strongly disagree to 4 = strongly agree). A fifth category of "don't know" was provided for respondents who felt they were not qualified to answer a statement. Cumulative frequencies were determined for all survey statements. Factor analysis also was performed. Results Useable surveys were completed and returned by 96 (69%) foodservice directors, 482 (52%) teachers, and 91 (65%) principals. All three groups agreed that nutrition education i...

Research paper thumbnail of Elementary School Teachers’ Practices and Perspectives toward Foods in the Classroom

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Choosing to Eat School Lunch: Child, Parent, or Joint Decision?

Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Child Nutrition Program Managers’ Evaluation of the State Recipe Database and Meal Planning Guide

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of University Students, Living in Campus Housing, and Their Behaviors Regarding Healthy Snack Selections

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2018

Learning Outcome: Describe the association of diet quality with classroom practices of teachers i... more Learning Outcome: Describe the association of diet quality with classroom practices of teachers in an urban school district Numerous schools have implemented programs designed to address childhood obesity; however, few have evaluated obesity-related health behaviors of the classroom teachers implementing these programs. This cross-sectional study examined health behaviors (diet quality, BMI), classroom practices (e.g. rewarding with food; punishment by withholding recess; role modeling healthy diet habits) and self-efficacy (SE) regarding classroom instruction focused on diet/physical activity among teachers in six urban schools participating in a childhood obesity prevention intervention. Measures included: 24-hr dietary recall summarized via healthy eating index (HEI-2015; higher scores indicate higher diet quality); self-reported height/weight (calculated BMI; >25kg/m2¼overweight/obese), classroom practices survey (16 items; sum score range: 0-64; alpha¼0.81; higher score¼more health promoting practices), and SE for classroom instruction survey (4 items, sum score range: 0-16; alpha¼0.78; higher score¼ higher SE). Of 52 teachers recruited, 29 completed one dietary recall and survey (included in analysis 90% female; 64% white; 76% overweight/obese; BMI ¼ 29.0+6.0; aged 38.2+10.4 yrs). Means and standard deviations were calculated for HEI (51.8+12.1), classroom practices sum score (34.5+9.2) and SE sum score (11.1+3.0). From linear regression models, adjusted for race and BMI, for every one-unit increase in HEI score, there was a 0.11 increase in SE score (SD¼0.04; p¼0.02) and a 0.37 increase in teacher classroom practices score (SD¼0.13; p¼0.007). Future studies in school settings should incorporate evaluations of teacher health behaviors and explore whether improvement of teacher health behaviors subsequently impacts student health behaviors.

Research paper thumbnail of Statewide Recipe and Meal Planning Guide: A Child Nutrition Director’s Resource

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2017

Background: Resources available to assist CNP directors in meeting the new USDA nutrition standar... more Background: Resources available to assist CNP directors in meeting the new USDA nutrition standards lack the flexibility to customize recipes and meet regional and cultural food preferences. To address these concerns, a MPG resource was developed within the state to assist directors in meeting school meal nutrition regulations. It includes customizable recipes created from items on the statewide purchasing guide, USDA Foods, and DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Nutrient analysis of these recipes has been conducted using a USDA approved nutrient analysis program. The MPG is available in printed and online formats. Methods: In spring 2016, 146 directors in one state were emailed a link to access an online survey to obtain their perceptions on satisfaction, importance, and helpfulness of features found in the MPG resource. A four point Likert-type scale was used to measure perceptions. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Elementary Teachers' Perspective on Nutrition Education and the School Wellness Policy

Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Best Practices in Child Nutrition at Child Care Centers in Mississippi

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020

Objective: To evaluate directors' perceived knowledge of best practices for nutrition at Mississi... more Objective: To evaluate directors' perceived knowledge of best practices for nutrition at Mississippi child care centers who participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Methods: A 38-question survey was developed to evaluate the knowledge of, skill at providing, and perception of relevance of CACFP best practices by Mississippi child care center directors by asking them to self-rate their use of CACFP best practices. Results: Survey responses indicated that the majority of directors rated themselves as skilled at several key areas of best practices, especially in creating a clean, pleasant place for the children to eat and in using program nutrition requirements to ensure that food and nutrition needs of the children are met. Analysis of the center menus proved the latter to be true as the recommendations for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron were either met or exceeded for females 4-8 years-old, and males 4-8 years-old. A need for more training was also indicated, especially in writing food and nutrition procedures for feeding children with special needs and involving parents in promoting new menus and foods offered in the child care center. Conclusion: While child care center directors in the state of Mississippi are skilled in many best practices associated with early childhood nutrition, there is a perceived need to improve nutrition education training in some key areas. iii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my husband, Adam, and my son, Mason. Without their unconditional love, support, and encouragement, I wouldn't have had the courage to pursue a graduate degree. iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CACFP Child and Adult Care Food Program DGA 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans HS Head Start

Research paper thumbnail of P055 ‘Silver Lining’: Encouraging Outcomes and Perceived Best Practices for Child Nutrition Directors During COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Research paper thumbnail of P43 Conceptual Model to Assess the Resilience Capacity of School Meal Programs: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2021

Background Unprecedented school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic brought into question the r... more Background Unprecedented school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic brought into question the resilience capacity of school meal programs. Resilience capacity is defined as the capacity to endure shocks and stressors including absorptive capacity (persistence), adaptive capacity (incremental adjustment), and transformative capacity (change). Resilience Capacity Model assesses the resilience capacity of a system based on the actors and corresponding components of that system. Resilience capacity has been explored in school nutrition setting but a Resiliency Capacity Model addressing school meal provision is lacking. Objective Qualitative exploration of a Resilience Capacity Model to assess the resilience capacity of school meal programs. Study Design, Settings, Participants Assisted by PRISMA, a systematic evaluation of peer-reviewed full-text articles published between 2005-2020 was performed. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Qualitative and quantitative studies explored the effect of school meal programs or in-school interventions on child food security that accounts for resilience capacity of school meal programs. Thematic analysis was used to identify factors associated with strategies for building resilience capacity. Results Of 406 articles identified via online search, 32 full-text articles met inclusion criteria. Based on the systematic review and thematic analysis, it was found that strategies to build resilience include food availability, food accessibility, food quality, education, training, parent/teacher support, and administrative response. The Resilience Capacity Model to assess resilience capacity of school meal programs fits well in the context of school nutrition. This model can be used to assess whether the strategies adopted during unprecedented circumstances lead to a resilience or a vulnerability pathway. Conclusion The findings of the systematic review of literature support that Resilience Capacity Model that accounts for identified factors can be used to assess the resilience capacity of school meal programs. A systematic assessment of resilience capacity can help to improve school meal program operations in times of crisis or during/after disasters.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Smart Snacks Intervention on College Students' Vending Selections

Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 2021

OBJECTIVES To place Smart Snacks in vending machines and determine if different sales strategies ... more OBJECTIVES To place Smart Snacks in vending machines and determine if different sales strategies affect Smart Snack selection. PARTICIPANTS University students living in resident halls. METHODS Vending machines included 50% Smart Snacks and 50% non compliant snacks. Three sales strategies targeted student selection of Smart Snacks: Reduced price, signage, and nutrition education activities. Three-way ANOVA was used for analysis. RESULTS There was a statistically significant three-way interaction on snack selection between sales strategy, study period, and snack type, F(4, 77) = 3.33, P = .01. There were no statistically significant simple two-way interaction between study period and sales strategy for either Smart Snack, F(1, 77) = 1.62, P = 0.18, or NC snack types, F(1, 77) = 2.02, P = 0.07. CONCLUSIONS Sales strategies did not affect Smart Snack selections. Advocates for healthier snacks in vending machines can align with university administrations to establish nutrient guidelines.

Research paper thumbnail of Dietetics students' cultural food knowledge and experiences with various cultures

Academic insƟtutes are invesƟgaƟng benefits of integraƟng cultural diversity learning objecƟves i... more Academic insƟtutes are invesƟgaƟng benefits of integraƟng cultural diversity learning objecƟves into classroom learning outcomes and creaƟng an environment supporƟve of students’ interacƟons and experiences with diverse cultures. The purpose of this study was to invesƟgate dieteƟcs students’ cultural awareness by measuring food knowledge, percepƟons, and learning experiences with various cultures and differences in cultural awareness based on their gender, age, career choice, graduaƟon date and amount of nutriƟon educaƟon. Results indicate that students’ believe it is more beneficial to learn about other cultures through direct cultural experiences than through classroom interacƟons with other cultures or classroom instrucƟon on other cultures

Research paper thumbnail of Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities: early childhood teachers’ perceptions of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum

Public Health Nutrition, 2021

Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely e... more Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely emphasised in early childhood education. Integration of nutrition into academic content is warranted, still its ability to positively impact teaching and learning has been understudied. Therefore, the current study explored the feasibility of application in the classroom and the perceived usability of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum. Design: Early childhood teachers’ perceptions of four nutrition-integrated lessons were explored through a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through pre- and post-focus groups, lesson observations and teacher feedback. Focus group transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and supplemented with observations and lesson feedback. Setting: This pilot study took place in Northwest Mississippi at three pre-schools which are part of the Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative. Participants: A non-probability convenience sa...

Research paper thumbnail of An Evaluation of the Mississippi Recipes for Success Program from the Perspective of Child Nutrition Directors

The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, 2017

Purpose/Objectives The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), a customizable selective menu syste... more Purpose/Objectives The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), a customizable selective menu system resource, was developed for child nutrition program (CNP) directors to comply with USDA nutrition regulations. The resource is available in printed and online formats and includes recipes, menu matrixes, food safety, and training materials for meal planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate CNP directors’ perceptions of their satisfaction with, as well as the importance and helpfulness of, the various features included in the MRS. Methods An electronic survey was developed in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition (MOCN) and sent to CNP directors in Spring 2016. Directors rated MRS features using a 4-point scale for satisfaction and helpfulness and a 5-point scale for importance. Data analyses included descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVAs to measure associations. Results CNP directors (N=146) were contacted with 99 complet...

Research paper thumbnail of Offer versus Serve or Serve Only: Does Service Method Affect Elementary Children's Fruit and Vegetable Consumption?

The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, 2011

Purpose/Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Offer versus Serv... more Purpose/Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Offer versus Serve (OVS) provision in the National School Lunch Program would result in a significant difference in fruit and vegetable consumption by fourth and fifth grade elementary students, and in plate waste cost. Methods Weighed and visual plate waste data were collected for five consecutive days at two elementary schools. School A used serve only service (SO), serving students all five food components of the lunch meal, and School B used the OVS provision, allowing students to select as few as three of the five food components of the lunch meal. Food waste costs were determined using an average cost from invoices. Differences in consumption of fruits and vegetables, cost, and plate waste data were analyzed. Results Fruit and vegetable plate waste was significantly lower (p < .05) in the school using the OVS compared to the school using SO. Plate waste cost per student also showed significant d...

Research paper thumbnail of Contribu on College students ’ purchasing practices from food and beverage vending machines and nutritional value of items selected

College students’ purchasing practices from food and beverage vending machines and nutritional va... more College students’ purchasing practices from food and beverage vending machines and nutritional value of items selected Laurel G. Lambert, PhD, RDN, LD; Hyun-Woo Joung, PhD; Sarah Stroud, MS, RD, LD; Elaine Fontenot Molaison, PhD, RD Associate Professor, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA Assistant Professor, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi, Ha esburg, MS, USA Graduate Assistant, The University of Southern Mississippi, Ha esburg, MS, USA

Research paper thumbnail of Using the social ecological model to evaluate university faculty and staff perceptions of the campus food environment

The study purpose was to examine faculty and staff perspectives of healthy eating opportunities o... more The study purpose was to examine faculty and staff perspectives of healthy eating opportunities on a rural, southern university campus using qualitative research methods informed by the Social Ecol...

Research paper thumbnail of Teachers’ Perceptions of Integrating Tower Gardens into Pre-K4 Curriculum

Schools play an integral role in providing opportunities for children of all ages to be exposed t... more Schools play an integral role in providing opportunities for children of all ages to be exposed to nutrition education. There are a variety of ways children can receive nutrition education in the school setting, such as explicit lessons, modeled dialogue, and exposure to nutrition-based principles. However, there continues to be a disconnect between teacher perceptions of nutrition education and time spent implementing it in the classroom. Nutrition education can come in many forms, including hands-on gardening and explicit discussions on the impact of food choices on overall health. Effective nutrition education in any form elicits numerous benefits for children, but there are a multitude of barriers that inhibit teachers from implementing hands-on gardening into their classrooms-such as time, space, and teacher self-efficacy. Tower Gardens, otherwise known as hydro-and aeroponic, vertical gardening systems, offer an alternative to the space and time required for traditional gardening. Nonetheless, the body of literature surrounding the impact and feasibility of implementing tower gardening systems is limited, specifically in the preschool setting. Therefore, this study explored teachers' perceptions of and experiences with implementing Tower Gardens into pre-kindergarten 4-year-old (pre-K4) classrooms. A qualitative approach was employed wherein a focus group was conducted with pre-K-4 teachers who integrated Tower Gardens

Research paper thumbnail of Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities: early childhood teachers’ perceptions of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum

Public Health Nutrition, 2021

Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely e... more Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely emphasised in early childhood education. Integration of nutrition into academic content is warranted, still its ability to positively impact teaching and learning has been understudied. Therefore, the current study explored the feasibility of application in the classroom and the perceived usability of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum. Design: Early childhood teachers’ perceptions of four nutrition-integrated lessons were explored through a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through pre- and post-focus groups, lesson observations and teacher feedback. Focus group transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and supplemented with observations and lesson feedback. Setting: This pilot study took place in Northwest Mississippi at three pre-schools which are part of the Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative. Participants: A non-probability convenience sa...

Research paper thumbnail of Integration of Service-learning Activities into Three Food and Nutrition Courses: Benefits and Challenges

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of Elementary School Nutrition Education Practices by School Foodservice Directors, Teachers, and Principals

Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions and practices of foodservice... more Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions and practices of foodservice directors, teachers, and principals in regards to providing nutrition education to elementary students. Methods Foodservice directors, teachers, and principals completed a survey designed to obtain information concerning their perceptions and practices of providing nutrition education to elementary school students in Arkansas and Idaho. Respondents indicated their level of agreement to 28 statements using a Likert-type rating scale (1 = strongly disagree to 4 = strongly agree). A fifth category of "don't know" was provided for respondents who felt they were not qualified to answer a statement. Cumulative frequencies were determined for all survey statements. Factor analysis also was performed. Results Useable surveys were completed and returned by 96 (69%) foodservice directors, 482 (52%) teachers, and 91 (65%) principals. All three groups agreed that nutrition education i...

Research paper thumbnail of Elementary School Teachers’ Practices and Perspectives toward Foods in the Classroom

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Choosing to Eat School Lunch: Child, Parent, or Joint Decision?

Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Child Nutrition Program Managers’ Evaluation of the State Recipe Database and Meal Planning Guide

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of University Students, Living in Campus Housing, and Their Behaviors Regarding Healthy Snack Selections

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2018

Learning Outcome: Describe the association of diet quality with classroom practices of teachers i... more Learning Outcome: Describe the association of diet quality with classroom practices of teachers in an urban school district Numerous schools have implemented programs designed to address childhood obesity; however, few have evaluated obesity-related health behaviors of the classroom teachers implementing these programs. This cross-sectional study examined health behaviors (diet quality, BMI), classroom practices (e.g. rewarding with food; punishment by withholding recess; role modeling healthy diet habits) and self-efficacy (SE) regarding classroom instruction focused on diet/physical activity among teachers in six urban schools participating in a childhood obesity prevention intervention. Measures included: 24-hr dietary recall summarized via healthy eating index (HEI-2015; higher scores indicate higher diet quality); self-reported height/weight (calculated BMI; >25kg/m2¼overweight/obese), classroom practices survey (16 items; sum score range: 0-64; alpha¼0.81; higher score¼more health promoting practices), and SE for classroom instruction survey (4 items, sum score range: 0-16; alpha¼0.78; higher score¼ higher SE). Of 52 teachers recruited, 29 completed one dietary recall and survey (included in analysis 90% female; 64% white; 76% overweight/obese; BMI ¼ 29.0+6.0; aged 38.2+10.4 yrs). Means and standard deviations were calculated for HEI (51.8+12.1), classroom practices sum score (34.5+9.2) and SE sum score (11.1+3.0). From linear regression models, adjusted for race and BMI, for every one-unit increase in HEI score, there was a 0.11 increase in SE score (SD¼0.04; p¼0.02) and a 0.37 increase in teacher classroom practices score (SD¼0.13; p¼0.007). Future studies in school settings should incorporate evaluations of teacher health behaviors and explore whether improvement of teacher health behaviors subsequently impacts student health behaviors.

Research paper thumbnail of Statewide Recipe and Meal Planning Guide: A Child Nutrition Director’s Resource

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2017

Background: Resources available to assist CNP directors in meeting the new USDA nutrition standar... more Background: Resources available to assist CNP directors in meeting the new USDA nutrition standards lack the flexibility to customize recipes and meet regional and cultural food preferences. To address these concerns, a MPG resource was developed within the state to assist directors in meeting school meal nutrition regulations. It includes customizable recipes created from items on the statewide purchasing guide, USDA Foods, and DOD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Nutrient analysis of these recipes has been conducted using a USDA approved nutrient analysis program. The MPG is available in printed and online formats. Methods: In spring 2016, 146 directors in one state were emailed a link to access an online survey to obtain their perceptions on satisfaction, importance, and helpfulness of features found in the MPG resource. A four point Likert-type scale was used to measure perceptions. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Elementary Teachers' Perspective on Nutrition Education and the School Wellness Policy

Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of Best Practices in Child Nutrition at Child Care Centers in Mississippi

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020

Objective: To evaluate directors' perceived knowledge of best practices for nutrition at Mississi... more Objective: To evaluate directors' perceived knowledge of best practices for nutrition at Mississippi child care centers who participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Methods: A 38-question survey was developed to evaluate the knowledge of, skill at providing, and perception of relevance of CACFP best practices by Mississippi child care center directors by asking them to self-rate their use of CACFP best practices. Results: Survey responses indicated that the majority of directors rated themselves as skilled at several key areas of best practices, especially in creating a clean, pleasant place for the children to eat and in using program nutrition requirements to ensure that food and nutrition needs of the children are met. Analysis of the center menus proved the latter to be true as the recommendations for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron were either met or exceeded for females 4-8 years-old, and males 4-8 years-old. A need for more training was also indicated, especially in writing food and nutrition procedures for feeding children with special needs and involving parents in promoting new menus and foods offered in the child care center. Conclusion: While child care center directors in the state of Mississippi are skilled in many best practices associated with early childhood nutrition, there is a perceived need to improve nutrition education training in some key areas. iii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my husband, Adam, and my son, Mason. Without their unconditional love, support, and encouragement, I wouldn't have had the courage to pursue a graduate degree. iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CACFP Child and Adult Care Food Program DGA 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans HS Head Start

Research paper thumbnail of P055 ‘Silver Lining’: Encouraging Outcomes and Perceived Best Practices for Child Nutrition Directors During COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Research paper thumbnail of P43 Conceptual Model to Assess the Resilience Capacity of School Meal Programs: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2021

Background Unprecedented school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic brought into question the r... more Background Unprecedented school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic brought into question the resilience capacity of school meal programs. Resilience capacity is defined as the capacity to endure shocks and stressors including absorptive capacity (persistence), adaptive capacity (incremental adjustment), and transformative capacity (change). Resilience Capacity Model assesses the resilience capacity of a system based on the actors and corresponding components of that system. Resilience capacity has been explored in school nutrition setting but a Resiliency Capacity Model addressing school meal provision is lacking. Objective Qualitative exploration of a Resilience Capacity Model to assess the resilience capacity of school meal programs. Study Design, Settings, Participants Assisted by PRISMA, a systematic evaluation of peer-reviewed full-text articles published between 2005-2020 was performed. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Qualitative and quantitative studies explored the effect of school meal programs or in-school interventions on child food security that accounts for resilience capacity of school meal programs. Thematic analysis was used to identify factors associated with strategies for building resilience capacity. Results Of 406 articles identified via online search, 32 full-text articles met inclusion criteria. Based on the systematic review and thematic analysis, it was found that strategies to build resilience include food availability, food accessibility, food quality, education, training, parent/teacher support, and administrative response. The Resilience Capacity Model to assess resilience capacity of school meal programs fits well in the context of school nutrition. This model can be used to assess whether the strategies adopted during unprecedented circumstances lead to a resilience or a vulnerability pathway. Conclusion The findings of the systematic review of literature support that Resilience Capacity Model that accounts for identified factors can be used to assess the resilience capacity of school meal programs. A systematic assessment of resilience capacity can help to improve school meal program operations in times of crisis or during/after disasters.

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Smart Snacks Intervention on College Students' Vending Selections

Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 2021

OBJECTIVES To place Smart Snacks in vending machines and determine if different sales strategies ... more OBJECTIVES To place Smart Snacks in vending machines and determine if different sales strategies affect Smart Snack selection. PARTICIPANTS University students living in resident halls. METHODS Vending machines included 50% Smart Snacks and 50% non compliant snacks. Three sales strategies targeted student selection of Smart Snacks: Reduced price, signage, and nutrition education activities. Three-way ANOVA was used for analysis. RESULTS There was a statistically significant three-way interaction on snack selection between sales strategy, study period, and snack type, F(4, 77) = 3.33, P = .01. There were no statistically significant simple two-way interaction between study period and sales strategy for either Smart Snack, F(1, 77) = 1.62, P = 0.18, or NC snack types, F(1, 77) = 2.02, P = 0.07. CONCLUSIONS Sales strategies did not affect Smart Snack selections. Advocates for healthier snacks in vending machines can align with university administrations to establish nutrient guidelines.

Research paper thumbnail of Dietetics students' cultural food knowledge and experiences with various cultures

Academic insƟtutes are invesƟgaƟng benefits of integraƟng cultural diversity learning objecƟves i... more Academic insƟtutes are invesƟgaƟng benefits of integraƟng cultural diversity learning objecƟves into classroom learning outcomes and creaƟng an environment supporƟve of students’ interacƟons and experiences with diverse cultures. The purpose of this study was to invesƟgate dieteƟcs students’ cultural awareness by measuring food knowledge, percepƟons, and learning experiences with various cultures and differences in cultural awareness based on their gender, age, career choice, graduaƟon date and amount of nutriƟon educaƟon. Results indicate that students’ believe it is more beneficial to learn about other cultures through direct cultural experiences than through classroom interacƟons with other cultures or classroom instrucƟon on other cultures

Research paper thumbnail of Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities: early childhood teachers’ perceptions of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum

Public Health Nutrition, 2021

Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely e... more Objective: Healthy eating behaviours are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely emphasised in early childhood education. Integration of nutrition into academic content is warranted, still its ability to positively impact teaching and learning has been understudied. Therefore, the current study explored the feasibility of application in the classroom and the perceived usability of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum. Design: Early childhood teachers’ perceptions of four nutrition-integrated lessons were explored through a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through pre- and post-focus groups, lesson observations and teacher feedback. Focus group transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and supplemented with observations and lesson feedback. Setting: This pilot study took place in Northwest Mississippi at three pre-schools which are part of the Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative. Participants: A non-probability convenience sa...

Research paper thumbnail of An Evaluation of the Mississippi Recipes for Success Program from the Perspective of Child Nutrition Directors

The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, 2017

Purpose/Objectives The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), a customizable selective menu syste... more Purpose/Objectives The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), a customizable selective menu system resource, was developed for child nutrition program (CNP) directors to comply with USDA nutrition regulations. The resource is available in printed and online formats and includes recipes, menu matrixes, food safety, and training materials for meal planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate CNP directors’ perceptions of their satisfaction with, as well as the importance and helpfulness of, the various features included in the MRS. Methods An electronic survey was developed in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition (MOCN) and sent to CNP directors in Spring 2016. Directors rated MRS features using a 4-point scale for satisfaction and helpfulness and a 5-point scale for importance. Data analyses included descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVAs to measure associations. Results CNP directors (N=146) were contacted with 99 complet...

Research paper thumbnail of Offer versus Serve or Serve Only: Does Service Method Affect Elementary Children's Fruit and Vegetable Consumption?

The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, 2011

Purpose/Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Offer versus Serv... more Purpose/Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Offer versus Serve (OVS) provision in the National School Lunch Program would result in a significant difference in fruit and vegetable consumption by fourth and fifth grade elementary students, and in plate waste cost. Methods Weighed and visual plate waste data were collected for five consecutive days at two elementary schools. School A used serve only service (SO), serving students all five food components of the lunch meal, and School B used the OVS provision, allowing students to select as few as three of the five food components of the lunch meal. Food waste costs were determined using an average cost from invoices. Differences in consumption of fruits and vegetables, cost, and plate waste data were analyzed. Results Fruit and vegetable plate waste was significantly lower (p < .05) in the school using the OVS compared to the school using SO. Plate waste cost per student also showed significant d...

Research paper thumbnail of Contribu on College students ’ purchasing practices from food and beverage vending machines and nutritional value of items selected

College students’ purchasing practices from food and beverage vending machines and nutritional va... more College students’ purchasing practices from food and beverage vending machines and nutritional value of items selected Laurel G. Lambert, PhD, RDN, LD; Hyun-Woo Joung, PhD; Sarah Stroud, MS, RD, LD; Elaine Fontenot Molaison, PhD, RD Associate Professor, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA Assistant Professor, The University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi, Ha esburg, MS, USA Graduate Assistant, The University of Southern Mississippi, Ha esburg, MS, USA

Research paper thumbnail of Using the social ecological model to evaluate university faculty and staff perceptions of the campus food environment

The study purpose was to examine faculty and staff perspectives of healthy eating opportunities o... more The study purpose was to examine faculty and staff perspectives of healthy eating opportunities on a rural, southern university campus using qualitative research methods informed by the Social Ecol...