A new visual tool and technique for nutrition education in the Caribbean

This paper presents a technique and tool for use in the collection of dietary information and for nutrition education among a wide range of clients, including those with low literacy, children, and persons with impaired hearing. The tool is a set of two-dimensional food models that are mounted on cardboard or heavy paper and then laminated. This paper descibes their use for the collection of food frequency data, data on food beliefs and attitudes, and meal planning especially among the Caribbean population. The technique is also useful to assess the effect of nutrition education when used in a pre-test/post-test protocol. The tool and technique are inexpensive and can be used repeatedly.