Researchers looked at nutrition classes in schools across the United States to see what students are actually learning about healthy eating. They studied 110 different nutrition programs from 38 states and found that while schools teach basic nutrition facts like food groups and nutrients, they’re missing important lessons. Most classes just have teachers talking at students instead of letting them cook or grow food. Schools rarely teach kids how to actually change their eating habits or understand why food choices matter for the environment. This research shows that nutrition education in American schools needs to be more hands-on and complete to really help kids make healthier choices.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What nutrition topics and teaching methods are actually included in school nutrition classes across the United States
  • Who participated: 110 nutrition education programs from 38 different states collected during the 2023-2024 school year
  • Key finding: About 7 out of 10 schools teach basic nutrition facts, but only 2 out of 10 use hands-on activities like cooking, and fewer than half teach kids how to actually change their eating habits
  • What it means for you: Your child’s nutrition class might teach them what vitamins are, but may not teach them practical skills like reading food labels, understanding portion sizes, or how to prepare healthy meals. This suggests schools need to add more interactive, real-world learning to nutrition education.

The Research Details

Researchers gathered nutrition education materials from schools and districts across 38 states during the 2023-2024 school year. They collected 110 different nutrition programs through online searches and phone calls to schools. Then they carefully reviewed each program and organized the information using a detailed checklist to identify what topics were covered and how teachers were teaching the material. This type of research, called a systematic review, helps researchers understand what’s actually happening in schools by looking at real programs instead of just asking people about them.

By looking at actual school programs instead of just surveying teachers, researchers can see the real picture of what nutrition education looks like across the country. This helps identify gaps and areas for improvement that might not be obvious otherwise. Understanding what’s currently being taught is the first step toward making nutrition education better.

This study looked at a large number of programs (110) from many different states (38), which gives a good picture of what’s happening nationally. However, the researchers may not have found every nutrition program in the country, so some schools’ approaches might not be included. The study is based on reviewing written materials rather than watching actual classes, so it shows what’s supposed to be taught rather than what teachers actually teach in the classroom.

What the Results Show

The research found that most nutrition programs teach basic nutrition facts. About 7 out of 10 schools cover the benefits of eating well, and similar numbers teach about food groups and different types of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. However, important topics are often missing. Less than half of programs teach kids about the problems that come from eating poorly, and only about 4 out of 10 teach practical skills like understanding portion sizes or how to change eating habits. The biggest difference was in how teachers deliver the lessons. Almost 9 out of 10 programs use traditional teaching methods where the teacher talks and students listen. Only about 2 out of 10 programs include hands-on activities where kids actually cook, grow food, or practice making healthy choices. Very few programs (only about 1 out of 6) teach about how food choices affect the environment.

The research also found that nutrition education varies significantly from state to state, suggesting there’s no consistent national standard for what kids should learn. Some states have more comprehensive programs while others cover only basic information. The heavy reliance on lecture-based teaching is concerning because research shows students learn better when they can practice skills hands-on rather than just hearing about them.

Previous research has shown that hands-on nutrition education is more effective at changing how kids actually eat compared to traditional classroom lectures. This study confirms that most schools are still using the less effective teaching methods. The findings also align with concerns from nutrition experts that American schools aren’t doing enough to teach practical life skills around food preparation and healthy eating.

This study only looked at written curriculum materials, not what actually happens in classrooms, so real teaching might be different. The researchers may not have found all nutrition programs in the country, especially in smaller districts or private schools. The study doesn’t measure whether these programs actually change how kids eat or their health outcomes. Additionally, the journal information wasn’t provided, so we can’t assess the publication’s reputation in the scientific community.

The Bottom Line

Schools should expand nutrition education to include more hands-on activities like cooking classes, school gardens, and meal planning exercises. Programs should teach practical skills like reading nutrition labels and understanding portion sizes, not just facts about nutrients. Schools should also include lessons about how food choices affect personal health, the environment, and communities. These changes are supported by education research showing that active learning is more effective than lectures alone. Confidence level: High for the need for change, though individual schools should adapt recommendations to their resources.

Parents and educators should care about this research because it affects all school-age children. Students, especially those in elementary and middle school, would benefit from improved nutrition education. School administrators and policymakers should use this information to improve their nutrition programs. This is particularly important for students from lower-income families who may have less access to nutrition information outside of school.

Changes to school nutrition education won’t show immediate results. Research suggests it typically takes several months to a year of consistent hands-on nutrition education before students start making noticeably healthier food choices. Long-term benefits to health outcomes may take years to become apparent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the number of hands-on cooking or food preparation activities your child participates in each week, along with any new healthy eating skills they learn and practice at home
  • Use the app to set a goal for one new cooking skill to practice with your child each week based on what they’re learning in school, and log when you complete it together
  • Monitor your child’s nutrition knowledge and eating habits monthly by noting new foods they’re willing to try, meals they can help prepare, and any changes in their food choices

This research describes what nutrition education currently looks like in schools but does not provide medical advice. Parents and educators should consult with school nutritionists, pediatricians, or registered dietitians for personalized nutrition guidance for individual children. This study’s findings are based on curriculum review and should not replace professional medical or nutritional counseling. If you have concerns about your child’s nutrition or health, please speak with your healthcare provider.