This study investigates Project Daire, a randomised-controlled trial in Northern Ireland, evaluating the impact of two school-based interventions on children’s food knowledge, wellbeing, and dietary habits. The interventions included:
‘Nourish’ - A whole-school food environment intervention promoting exposure to local foods and healthier food choices.
‘Engage’ - A cross-curricular education intervention on food, agriculture, and nutrition science.
Key findings:
Emotional and behavioural wellbeing improved in children receiving the ‘Nourish’ intervention.
Improved understanding of food labels and seasonal vegetables in intervention groups.
Increased willingness to try new foods and enhanced cooking competence were noted.
School-based dietary behaviour improved, particularly in 10–11-year-old students.
The study highlights the importance of whole-school food interventions in enhancing children's health-related knowledge and dietary choices.
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