Equalizing the Playing Field and Improving School Food Literacy Programs Through the Eyes of Teens: A Grounded Theory Analysis Using a Gender and Sport Participation Lens.

ABSTRACT: Background: School food literacy programs (e.g., home economics) are an opportunity to improve the dietary habits of teens. However, the literature suggests that girls and athletes have better food literacy, and it is not clear how school programs contribute to this inequality. To address this, we explored how gender and sport influenced teens' perspectives of their school food literacy experiences and how they can be improved. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews and a Grounded Theory analysis, we generated a theoretical understanding of how to improve school food literacy programs for athletes and non-athletes of diverse genders. Thirty-three teens were recruited to balance sport participation (n = 18 athletes) and gender (n = 15 boys; n = 14 girls; n = 4 non-binary) b

SUBMITTER: Deslippe AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11858305 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature