Survey Results and Nutrition Month Activities
submitted by Miranda Greco, Nutritionist, Educational Services Department
Earlier this year the Lester B Pearson School Board celebrated nutrition month! Teachers and students discovered the world of added sugars and discussed the importance of making better beverage choices. Several schools participated in a board-wide project aimed at raising awareness about sweetened beverages and understanding students’ beverage choices.
Students were asked to fill out a “Think Before You Drink” survey that asked a variety of questions related to the drinks they choose to consume. A total of 189 responses were collected and schools that participated include Westwood Junior and Senior high school, Place Cartier adult education center, Maple Grove elementary, St Anthony Elementary, Horizon high school and St. John Fisher elementary school.
The survey began by asking students how much water they drink in a day. The data revealed that the majority of students drink either 2-4 cups (28.7%) or 4-6 cups (28.7%) of water per day. The amount of water that individuals should consume in a day varies and depends on different factors such as age, level of physical activity, sickness, and hot weather. Individuals can get water from the beverages they drink as well as the foods they eat, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Typically, children aged 4-8 years old are encouraged to consume around 5 cups of fluids per day while 9–13-year-olds are encouraged to aim for around 7 cups per day (Dietitians of Canada, 2021).
Next, the survey asked students about their preferred drink when thirsty as well as the beverage they typically consume with their lunch. The data revealed that 75% of students choose water when they feel thirsty, with a few students reporting that they choose either juice or milk. As for what beverage they drink with their lunch, 57% of students drink water while 27.6% of students opt for fruit juice or fruit punch. A few students also reported that they don’t drink anything while they eat.
Another question addressed students’ beverage choices during physical activity. It was revealed that 77.7% of students drink water during physical activity. A few students, with 11.7%, reported drinking other beverages such as energy drinks and sports drinks. Sports drinks can be consumed during intense physical activity to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating. However, water is encouraged to be the beverage choice during any light to moderate activity whether it be before, during, or afterwards.
Students were then presented with a list of beverages and were asked to select the sweetened options. Energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juice, iced tea/lemonade, soft drinks, and hot chocolate were the most selected beverages. This shows that there is a level of understanding amongst students regarding the difference between sweetened beverages and healthy alternatives such as milk, water, and unsweetened tea.
The final question asked students about their weekly consumption of certain beverages including soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, milk, fruit juice, fruit beverages, and coffee. The data revealed that 43% of students consume soft drinks 1-2 times a week and 60% of students reported never consuming energy drinks. Moreover, 33% of students drink fruit juice 1-2 times a week and 31% of students drink milk every day.
In addition to the survey, a few schools participated in “Think Before You Drink” activities. Frank Caracciolo and I visited the EdVenture program at Horizon high school and spoke with students about the presence of added sugars in sweetened beverages. They were then tasked with matching quantities of sugar to the sweetened beverages that were presented to them. After the activity, they were given the opportunity to flavor their own water with berries, cucumbers, lemons, and basil. Students in Stephanie Blanchfield’s class and Elisabeth Iten’s class at Place Cartier Adult Education Center (Thrive and Endeavor programs) celebrated nutrition month by creating fun and informative posters on the presence of added sugars in sweetened beverages.
Overall, Nutrition Month 2024 was a great success! Thank you to all the teachers and students who participated in the survey and took part in nutrition month activities in the classroom. Making better beverage choices is key to a healthy lifestyle, and educating students about this can empower them to implement positive changes into their daily routines.
References:
Dietitians of Canada (2021, October 25), Facts on Fluids – How to Stay Hydrated. Unlock Food. https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/articles/water/facts-on-fluids-how-to-stay-hydrated.aspx
