title: Initial evaluation of a student-run fruit and vegetable business in urban high schools.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of Fresh Producers, a student-run fruit and vegetable distribution program at three urban high schools located in low-income neighborhoods, and its potential impact on the nutrition and professional development of participating students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen focus groups conducted with 72 students explored the program's impact on their dietary habits and professional skill development, and discussed program challenges. Responses were coded for common themes by multiple investigators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants reported increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improved interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills. Challenges included integration into the school schedule and environment and limited faculty support for business activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This program is acceptable and feasible for secondary school students in a variety of school settings. Students reported positive changes in professional skills and nutrition. Training and support for students and faculty, including strategies to improve program integration into the school context, could increase participation.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Healthy Lifestyle Center, Department of Pediatrics, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, 751 South Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128, USA. nicholas.sikic@hhs.sccgov.org
authors.forename: Nicholas I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Sikic
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Erbstein
authors.forename: Kearnan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Welch
authors.forename: Ethan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Grundberg
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D003132:Commerce / Q000191:economics*; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017144:Focus Groups; D005638:Fruit / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D011203:Poverty; D012572:School Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013334:Students; D014505:Urban Population; D014675:Vegetables / Q000191:economics*