What are the impacts of plant-based school programs on youth, particularly in terms of the spillover effects on their overall dietary habits?
Context and Relevance:
Several organizations collaborate with educational institutions to encourage them to adopt more plant-based menu items in schools. Although this approach primarily targets decision-makers, initial results from an Educated Choices Program survey suggest that the adoption of plant-based options in schools may spill over to students’ broader dietary patterns.
Potential Research Approach:
Survey Design and Implementation: Develop surveys tailored to youth participants in plant-based school programs to assess their awareness of and attitudes towards plant-based options, and how these influence their dietary choices.
Longitudinal Analysis: Conduct longitudinal studies or retrospective surveys to examine the long-term impact of exposure to plant-based foods in school on students' dietary habits outside of school environments.
Qualitative Exploration: Use qualitative methods such as focus groups or interviews to explore students' experiences with plant-based school programs, uncovering motivations, challenges, and perceived benefits that may influence their dietary behaviors.
Additional Questions:
How do plant-based school programs influence students' attitudes towards and consumption of plant-based foods outside of school settings?
What are the socio-economic factors that affect the effectiveness of plant-based school programs in promoting healthier dietary habits among youth?
What strategies can be implemented to sustain the positive dietary changes observed from plant-based school programs in students' long-term dietary behaviors?