Which of the following is the first step in implementing successful nutrition education interventions?

A) Establish goals and objectives.
B) Design a theory-based intervention.
C) Determine the educational approach.
D) Conduct a thorough needs assessment.
E) Provide i nstruction planning and incorporate learning strategies.

Conducting a thorough needs assessment allows for a better understanding of the target population's current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to nutrition. This information will inform the design and implementation of the intervention and ensure that it is tailored to the specific needs of the population. Establishing goals and objectives, designing a theory-based intervention, determining the educational approach, and providing instructional planning are all important steps, but they come after the needs assessment.