Inadequate Nutrient Intakes in Youth of a Remote First Nation Community : Challenges and the Need for Sustainable Changes in Program and Policy

Abstract EN

Background.

The current study established baseline nutrient intakes of youth and examined the potential for sustainability of a pilot school snack program in the remote First Nation of Kashechewan, Ontario, Canada.

Methods.

Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls established baseline intakes in grade 6–8 students (n=43).

Subsequently, a pilot healthy school snack program was initiated.

Dietary recalls were completed one week (n=43) and one year after the program (n=67).

Paired Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to detect changes in intakes.

Impressions of the teachers (n=16), principal, and students were collected qualitatively.

Results.

Most youth had dietary intakes below current standards.

Although vitamin C (P=0.024) and fibre (P=0.015) intakes improved significantly after one week, these improvements were not sustained over the following year.

Program impressions were positive.

Conclusion.

The need for a nutrition program is clear.

While benefits were realized in the short term, improvements could not be maintained.

Policy changes are needed to address barriers to sustainability.