Full Article

Recognition Of Readers

Greetings! I hope all of you are staying healthy and managing these stressful times with the “grace under pressure” that defines school nutrition professionals. Obviously, the school year has a different look this year and many of you have made major operational changes in the pursuit of serving students nutritious food safely prepared. With the increased responsibility, it is easy to table professional development for when things are back to normal. Yet, if you are reading this, you clearly recognize that your Journal, The Journal of Child Nutrition and Management, has a wealth of research or evidence-based information that can guide the decision-making process.

A peer-review process is used with each submitted article, whether it is a Commentary, Current Issues, Practical Solutions, Research in Action, or new with this issue, a Research Brief contribution. Two or three individuals familiar with school nutrition programs and who have earned at least a Master’s degree in a related area of study review each article, in addition to screening by the Editor.

Recognition Of Reviewers

We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of Reviewers for the Journal of Child Nutrition and Management. Those who provided a review for the submissions to the Journal this past year are  recognized. A sincere “Thank You” to them for taking the time to carefully consider submissions, determine if these meet stated guidelines, and contribute to the body of knowledge in school nutrition. The goal of the Journal is to provide readers with useful and relevant information. Reviewers contribute to the Journal meeting this goal. As Editor, I value their expertise and the collegiality shown when accepting invitations to review. Those who have provided multiple reviews this past year are noted with an *.

This Issue

This issue of the Journal has four Research in Action papers, and one article in the new category of Research Briefs.

One Research in Action article presents results from simulated trials on the effectiveness of milk cooling and cold holding strategies typically used in schools. With increase in delivery of meals during the pandemic, this information provides practitioners with research-based evidence they can use!

The second article shows results of an online survey amongst elementary students in one large metro district about satisfaction with the school dining experience. The survey used an emoji scale to assess satisfaction levels.

Another Research in Action article details findings from a study that identified enablers and barriers to implementation of Local School Wellness policies in Massachusetts’ schools. Findings can be useful to practitioners and state agency staff in other states as they work to identify and develop resources for stakeholders.

The final Research in Action paper tested the hypothesis that “nudges” based on a fun facts about fruits and vegetables would increase the consumption of these foods by elementary students in Grades 1 through 5. This rigorous study included analysis of over 7,000 trays among students in schools from low and high socio-economic areas.

The Research Brief describes outcomes from focus groups held in one state with middle and high school students to assess key drivers of students’ breakfast habits. Those aiming to increase breakfast participation in their districts will find identified themes of interest.

But wait, that is not all! Each Fall Issue of the Journal includes Research Updates from the Institute of Child Nutrition’s Applied Research Division. Dr. Keith Rushing, Director of the research arm of the Institute of Child Nutrition, gives us an update on research projects underway by him and colleagues. Finally, abstracts from the five Research Posters accepted for the 2020 Child Nutrition Showcase during the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference are included in this issue of the Journal. Although the conference was cancelled, readers can review summaries of the conducted research.

A Personal Note

This issue is my last as Editor of the Journal of Child Nutrition and Management. I have enjoyed serving in this role for the past three years and continuing opportunities to engage with professionals in school nutrition. You truly make a difference in the world, one child and one meal at a time!

Best to all,

Catherine Strohbehn, PhD, RD
Editor, Journal of Child Nutrition and Management
School Nutrition Association
https://schoolnutrition.org/JCNM/
515-231-6186
cstrohbehn@gmail.com