Growing Healthy Kids: Feasibility of a Garden-Based Nutrition Education Intervention for Low-Resource Families

Abstract

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a theory-driven and evidence-based summer nutrition education and feeding program for low-resource families in the Midwest. A 10-week feasibility pilot was completed in the summer of 2016 targeting children, ages 8-11 years, and their parent/adult caregivers (PAC) from low-resource communities (as defined by school SNAP-eligibility). Program components included: group nutrition education and cooking demonstrations led by Cooperative Extension Agents; weekly produce harvesting at a rural and an urban community garden; and remote motivational interviewing coaching (e-MIC) facilitated by trained registered dietitians. Feasibility and acceptability were measured by weekly child/PAC attendance logs, pre- to post- behavior surveys, post-program evaluations, and PAC engagement logs recorded by the e-MIC. A total of 30 children/PAC's were recruited during a 3-week period. Group class and harvesting retention were >85%. Further, over 65% of PACs actively engaged with the e-MIC. Post-programmatic surveys for the children documented improvements in consumption of fruits and vegetables. PAC surveys showed improved utilization of MyPlate for meal planning, greater confidence in eating healthy on a budget, increased family exposure to new produce, and more adventurous eating among the family. The results of this pilot support the feasibility and acceptability of a comprehensive garden-based nutrition education and feeding program for low-resource families. Future studies will focus on efficacy.