The Zuni Public Schools Food Service Coordinator and a nutrition advisory committee obtained funding for the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program (FVPP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They were motivated by the recognition that obesity has become a serious problem nationwide, but especially among American Indian children, and that dietary habits have a short-term impact on school academic performance and long-term impact on the health of these children as they become adults. Their expectation (and hope) was that the children who participated would change their snacking habits by experiencing the benefits of having more fruits and vegetables in their diets.

The USDA Economic Research Service contracted with the UNM PRC to evaluate the FVPP in Zuni. The evaluation of the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program (FVPP) in Zuni began mid-January 2003 with meetings at each school with the food service director, the school board, the school administrative committee, and the principals. Data Collection for the evaluation of the Zuni FVPP took place between January 28 and February 21, 2003. Data from the parent and student mini-groups, food service director interviews, and classroom observations were collected by Zuni residents and Center staff. The evaluation specifically covered the means of implementation, feasibility, acceptability, effects, perceived value, and limitations of the project in the community, as well as factors that contributed to its success.

Despite some limitations, the project proved to confirm the expectations of the Zuni school officials that students learned to appreciate the fruits and vegetables and enjoyed the fruits and vegetables they were served. It was also reported that students brought fewer non-nutritive snacks to school.

For more information about this project, contact Shirley Pareo at (505) 272-4462 or spareo@salud.unm.edu.