Grant: Operating Grant: Population Health Intervention Research

In June 2008, The Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth were released by the Government of Alberta. The goal of these guidelines is "to equip facilities and organizations with the tools they need to provide children and youth with healthy food choices in childcare settings, schools, in recreation centres, at special events, and in the community at large". The government is disseminating this information as a resource for Albertans to promote healthy eating behaviours within healthy environments, a key step in chronic disease prevention. Thus the purpose of this proposal is to evaluate awareness, intent-to-use and early adoption of the guidelines. Optimal nutritional status is a complex health goal. These population-based guidelines offer a consistent guide to provide nutritious food choices for youth in various settings. It is important to evaluate awareness, intent-to-use and early adoption of the guidelines to gain a better understanding of how the guidelines can be used to promote healthy nutrition environments within different organizations.