Effectiveness of Go for Green (Registered Trademark) Nutrition Program to Improve Warfighter Meal Quality and Nutrition Knowledge
Abstract
Military dining facilities (DFACs) are important avenues to fuel Service Members (SM) for optimal performance. The Go for Green 2.0 program (G4G 2.0) is a multi-component intervention in DFACs designed to optimize access and availability of high-performance food choices. The G4G 2.0 evaluation study aimed to determine the fidelity of G4G 2.0 program implementation, along with the programs impact on DFAC meal quality, diner satisfaction, nutrition knowledge and plate cost. This project employed a time series, multi-site, non-controlled intervention with data collection at pre- and post-G4G 2.0 program implementation using food photography and surveys. The G4G 2.0 program consists of a traffic light, color-coded labeling system, menus with tasty and nutrient-dense (Green-coded) foods, strategic placement of Green-coded foods to maximize visibility, DFAC staff training, and marketing campaign. Digital food photography captured diners food selections and measured meal quality using Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores. Data were analyzed using descriptive, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square analyses and 2-step cluster analysis (=0.05, 80 power). Participants were active-duty Soldiers (n=100) with food intake data from at least one breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal at the intervention DFAC (92 male, median age 22.0 years, 63 pre; 37 post-intervention). HEI scores improved significantly from pre: 55.0 12.8 to post: 64.1 12.04, p<0.001 (Median IQR). Significant improvements were noted in selection of whole grains, seafood and plant proteins, fewer refined grains, and improved trends for other food groups. More diners agreed that main dishes were nutritious/performance-based (32 pre; 57 post; p<0.01) and reported using color-coded labels to choose performance foods (38 pre; 54 post; p=0.04). The G4G 2.0 program is feasible, efficacious, and improved meal quality and satisfaction of diners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 21, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1167284
Entities
People
- Asma S. Bukhari
- Carolyn A Kleinberger
- Catherine M. Champagne
- Elizabeth M Moylan
- H. Raymond Allen
- Jennifer L Billington
- Katie M Kirkpatrick
- Nicholes J. Armstrong
- Patricia A. Deuster
- Renee E. Cole
- Susan M. Mcgraw
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine