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ERIC Number: EJ1486917
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Nov
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: EISSN-1746-1561
Available Date: 2025-08-26
The Impact of Nutrition Training Programs on Knowledge, Confidence, and Behavioral Intention among School Nutrition Professionals
Wenhao Zhang1; Brianna Routh2; Molly Stenberg3; Haley Scott3
Journal of School Health, v95 n11 p924-932 2025
Background: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs provide essential nutrition supporting student health and academic outcomes. Rural school nutrition professionals (SNPs) face challenges such as staff shortages, limited resources, and inadequate training. This study evaluates a flexible training program tailored to address these issues. Methods: Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Lippitt-Knoster model, an observational cohort study design with pre- and post-training evaluations measured SNPs' knowledge, confidence, and behavioral intention. Participants completed 40-h director or 8-h staff training delivered through live virtual, asynchronous virtual, and in-person formats. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and three-way cross-tabulations. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in confidence levels and knowledge of both school nutrition basics and culinary skills. High behavioral intentions toward desirable practices were observed among participants. Flexible delivery formats enhanced participation and satisfaction, with virtual options especially beneficial for rural settings. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Flexible, theory-based training models addressing rural SNPs' specific needs improve school meal quality, staff retention, and equitable access to nutrition education. Conclusions: Tailored training programs incorporating diverse methods and incentives strengthen rural SNP capacity, enhancing health outcomes for students.
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, and Kinesiology, College of Education, Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA; 2Montana State University Extension, Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, and Kinesiology, College of Education, Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA; 3Montana Team Nutrition, Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, and Kinesiology, College of Education, Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA