A school nurse is developing a program to promote healthy eating in school-age children. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Rationale: A. Using dessert as a reward can create an unhealthy relationship with food by reinforcing the idea that “healthy eating must be followed by unhealthy rewards.” This may increase preference for high-sugar foods and negatively affect long-term eating habits in children. B. Offering fruits and vegetables promotes healthy eating patterns, increases exposure to nutrient-dense foods, and encourages children to choose healthier snacks in social and active settings. This supports long-term dietary habits aligned with nutritional guidelines. C. “Involving students in creating a recipe book encourages active participation, improves nutrition knowledge, and increases the likelihood that children will try and adopt healthier food choices. It also supports life skills development and autonomy in making healthy decisions. D. Complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains) are an important part of a balanced diet and provide sustained energy for school-age children. Removing them could reduce access to healthy snack options and is not recommended. Instead, limiting simple sugars and highly processed snacks would be more appropriate. E. Role modeling is a powerful teaching strategy in school-age children. When children observe trusted adults making healthy food choices, they are more likely to imitate those behaviors, supporting positive long-term dietary habits.