Using small monetary rewards to reinforce healthy behaviors, such as the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F\&V), the investigators tested fixed and variable reinforcement schedules in three middle schools. The investigators measured carotenoid levels, as a biomarker of F\&V intake, and F\&V waste over the intervention time frame. The investigators also tracked the school lunch participation rates over time.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
1,626
Using Variable (Random) Interval Reinforcement Schedules to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Reduce Fruit and Vegetable Waste, and Increase School Lunch Participation
Using Variable (Non-random) Interval Reinforcement Schedules to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Reduce Fruit and Vegetable Waste, and Increase School Lunch Participation
Using Variable (Random) Interval Reinforcement Schedules and Table Tents with Health-related Messages to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Reduce Fruit and Vegetable Waste, and Increase School Lunch Participation
No intervention
Ysleta Independent School District
El Paso, Texas, United States
Change in food waste
Daily fruit, vegetable, and other food waste (in lbs)
Time frame: 24 weeks
Change in fruit and vegetable intake
As measured by carotenoid level, a biomarker for total fruit and vegetable intake; measured before and after the intervention
Time frame: 12 weeks
School lunch participation rates
Number of participants in the school lunch program
Time frame: 32 weeks
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