Methods, results, and lessons learned from process evaluation of the high 5 school-based nutrition intervention

This article describes the process evaluation of High 5, a school-based int ervention targeting fruit and vegetable consumption among fourth graders an d their families. The outcome evaluation involved 28 schools randomized to intervention or control conditions. The intervention included classroom, fa mily, and cafeteria components. Process evaluation was completed on each of these components by using observations, self-report checklists, surveys, a nd other measures. Results indicated high implementation rates on the class room activities. Moderate family involvement was attained, perhaps diminish ing intervention effects on parent consumption. Cafeterias provided environ mental cues, and fruit and vegetable offerings as directed by the program. A lower dose of the intervention was delivered to schools with larger Afric an American enrollments and lower-income families. This article provides in sights into the effective elements of a school-based dietary intervention a nd provides suggestions for process evaluation in similar studies.