The Integration of Service‐Learning Research into a Community Nutrition Course

Service learning uses real‐world experience to develop skills, create connections between academic study and public concerns, and foster social change. In Spring 2015, a graduate‐level community nutrition course at a university in southern California was amended to include a research‐focused service‐learning project. Four phases of service learning were included in course content. The phases were as follows: (1) a needs assessment; (2) development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition lessons; (3) reflection; and (4) celebration. Reflective assignments indicated that students valued needs assessment as a basis for program development and growth in assessing program impacts. Modest gains in vegetable consumption patterns were evidenced among program participants.