Evaluation of the EU School Scheme (Food Dudes) in Ireland

The aim of this specific project is to assess the behavioural and attitudinal impact of the Food Dudes Programme on children’s fruit and vegetable consumption through a comparative, mixed-methods evaluation using intervention and control schools. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of the Food Dudes Programme, in line with the EU School Scheme’s objectives of improving dietary behaviours and encouraging healthy eating habits among primary school children. It will have a specific focus on short-term behaviour change, parent and teacher perceptions, and programme delivery at school level.

The primary data source will be parent/guardian questionnaires, completed at two timepoints during the school years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for the initial 16-day intervention. This will be then repeated for the maintenance cycle during the school years 2026-27 and 2027-28. These data will be collected and analysed by the PhD student. Baseline and post-intervention questionnaires will be completed in both intervention and control schools, enabling a cross-sectional comparative analysis. This will assess whether any change in consumption, attitudes, or beliefs is attributable to the intervention rather than background trends. Data will be analysed using both between-group and within-group approaches. Cross-sectional comparisons will identify statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups at baseline and follow-up, while matched pre-post analyses will assess individual-level changes.

The successful candidate will lead the design, coordination, and analysis of longitudinal evaluations of the Food Dudes Healthy Eating Programme (as described above). The PhD student will also oversee data collection methodologies, supervise junior researchers, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Essential:
• Minimum 2.1 Honours degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Dietetics, Health Promotion, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Understanding of school-based health interventions and/or nutrition education programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Desirable (but not essential):
• Previous experience with school-based interventions or nutrition programs.
• Ability to design and implement surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Publications or conference presentations in relevant fields.
• Familiarity with policy analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Funding Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Student Stipend per annum: € 25000

Materials & Travel Budget per annum: €1250

Fees covered by the funding per annum: € 6000

Duration of Funding: 42 months

If you are interested in submitting an application for this project, please complete an Expression of Interest.

 https://forms.office.com/e/0hCcrv2Gkp