Researchers tested a new program called Project Daire that changes how food is offered in elementary schools. They wanted to see if kids would eat a wider variety of healthy foods when schools made changes to their food environment. The study found that when schools improved their food programs, children actually did eat more different types of foods. This is important because eating many different foods helps kids get all the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy. The research suggests that school-based food programs can be an effective way to improve children’s eating habits.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether changing how schools offer and present food can help children eat a wider variety of healthy foods
- Who participated: Elementary school students in schools that participated in Project Daire. Some schools received the new food program while others continued with their regular programs.
- Key finding: Schools that used the Project Daire food environment intervention saw children increase the variety of foods they ate compared to schools without the program
- What it means for you: If your child’s school adopts similar food programs, they may naturally start eating more different types of healthy foods without needing constant reminders. This approach works by making healthy variety easier and more appealing rather than forcing change.
The Research Details
This was a cluster randomized controlled trial, which is a strong type of research study. Researchers randomly assigned some schools to use the new Project Daire food program while other schools continued their normal food practices. By comparing schools that had the program to schools that didn’t, researchers could see if the program actually made a difference. This design is particularly good for school-based studies because it looks at real-world conditions where entire schools participate together rather than testing individuals in a lab.
Testing programs in actual schools is important because it shows whether changes work in real life, not just in controlled settings. When researchers study entire schools rather than individual children, they can see how the food environment affects groups of kids with different backgrounds and preferences. This makes the results more useful for schools considering similar programs.
This study used a randomized controlled trial design, which is considered one of the strongest types of research. By randomly assigning schools to either have the program or not, researchers reduced the chance that other factors (like school location or student background) affected the results. The fact that it was published in a peer-reviewed journal means other experts reviewed the work before publication.
What the Results Show
The main finding was that children in schools using the Project Daire food environment intervention ate a noticeably wider variety of foods compared to children in schools without the program. This suggests that how schools present and organize food options matters significantly. When schools made thoughtful changes to their food environment—such as how foods are displayed, what options are available, and how meals are structured—children naturally chose more diverse foods. The increase in diet diversity was meaningful enough to suggest real nutritional benefits.
Beyond just eating more variety, the program likely helped children develop better eating habits overall. When children are exposed to and try different foods in a supportive school environment, they may become more willing to eat healthy foods they might otherwise avoid. This can have long-term benefits for their health and nutrition.
Previous research has shown that the food environment influences what people eat, but this study specifically demonstrates that school-based interventions can successfully increase diet diversity in children. This adds to growing evidence that environmental changes are often more effective than simply telling people what they should eat.
The study focused on elementary schools, so results may not apply to younger children or teenagers. The research doesn’t tell us exactly which specific changes in the food environment were most important. Additionally, the long-term effects beyond the study period are unknown—we don’t know if children maintain these eating habits after the program ends.
The Bottom Line
Schools should consider implementing food environment changes similar to Project Daire to help children eat more diverse, healthy foods. Parents can support this by encouraging children to try new foods at school and at home. This approach is recommended with moderate confidence because the research shows clear benefits in school settings.
Elementary school administrators, nutrition directors, teachers, and parents should care about these findings. The results are most relevant for schools serving diverse student populations. Children with limited food exposure or picky eating habits may benefit most from these programs.
Changes in eating variety may begin within weeks as children adjust to new food options, but establishing lasting habits typically takes several months of consistent exposure to diverse foods.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track the number of different food groups your child eats each day (vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, dairy). Aim to increase from their current baseline by one new food per week.
- Use the app to set a weekly goal of trying one new food at school lunch. Have your child take a photo of their lunch tray showing variety and log it in the app to celebrate progress.
- Create a monthly food variety chart in the app showing which food groups were eaten most frequently. Review trends quarterly to identify which food types your child is avoiding and work with the school to increase exposure to those options.
This research describes findings from a school-based food program study and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. If your child has food allergies, dietary restrictions, or specific nutritional concerns, consult with a pediatrician or registered dietitian before making dietary changes. Results from this study may not apply to all children or all school settings. Always work with your child’s school and healthcare providers when making changes to their diet.