Studies for State Agencies, Foundations, and Non-Profit Organizations

Hawai‘i Nutrition Education Needs Assessment

Susan Saka, Morris Lai, and Sandra Shimabukuro led a 4-year study on the nutritional habits and height and weight of 4th and 10th graders in Hawai‘i. This study is the third installment in a long-term study that has looked at similar issues approximately every ten years. Collecting data on students’ diets, attitudes towards school lunch, levels of physical activity, and height and weight, the team was able to report on the nutrition needs of Hawai‘i students using the best data available. The study found a low mean energy intake by students in the current study as compared to the previous studies. There was a low consumption of fruits and vegetables and dairy products and a frequent consumption of sweetened beverages and candy. About one fifth of the students were classified as overweight; three fifths were in the healthy range.