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. Have teachers and school personnel model healthy eating behaviors: Children learn through observation, and consistent modeling by adults reinforces healthy habits in daily routines. When teachers demonstrate balanced meal choices, students are more likely to adopt similar behaviors. This strategy promotes a supportive environment that normalizes nutritious eating across the school. B. Recommend removing complex carbohydrate snacks from school vending machines: Complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain items provide sustained energy and support healthy growth. Removing them could encourage replacement with less nutritious options. The goal is to limit high-sugar, high-fat snacks, not to eliminate nutrient-dense foods that benefit the child’s diet. C. Provide fruits and vegetables as snacks at school sporting events: Offering fresh produce at athletic activities increases children's access to nutritious options during high-energy events. It helps shift the culture away from sugary snacks typically sold at sports venues. This approach supports hydration, recovery, and overall health maintenance in active students. D. Assist students in developing a recipe book of healthy foods: Engaging children in creating a recipe book encourages active learning and empowers them to make informed food choices. It integrates nutrition education with creativity and helps students build long-term healthy eating skills. Sharing the book can also influence families and the wider community. E. Offer a dessert to students who finish their lunch: Providing dessert as a reward reinforces unhealthy associations with food and promotes overeating. It teaches children to view sweets as a prize rather than an occasional treat. This approach undermines efforts to build healthy eating patterns and may contribute to long-term poor dietary habits.