Development of Food Group Books for Three‐ and Four‐Year‐Old Children

Abstract

Food preferences can be established in young children and these food preferences could extend into adulthood. This article is about MyPlate Food Group Books which are five nonfiction books. Each book covers one food group. The books were developed with input from 4‐year‐old children, preschool educators, and specialists in nutrition education and child development. The books were tested for acceptance and potential for behavior change with a small group of 3‐year‐old children. After the books were read once a day for 2 weeks by teachers, the authors tested the effect of book exposure on food consumption by measuring aggregate plate waste. Although changes in food consumption behaviors were not observed, the teachers indicated changes in the preschooler's attitudes toward trying new foods. Positive attitudes toward new foods could result in increased familiarity and eventually changes in food behavior.