Relationship between psychosocial indicators and adoption of farm and garden activities and local produce in early childcare

Abstract

Farm to Preschool Programs link farmers with early childcare centers (ECC) to increase local fruits and vegetables (LFV) used. To target nutrition and food safety education, it is important to identify factors related to adoption of farm and garden (FG) activities and LFV use in ECCs. An online survey was sent to 600 random ECC in MA and NH, with 118 educator (E) responses. Psychosocial factors related to LFV (benefits, barriers, self‐efficacy) were rated 1–5. FG activities and % of produce served as LFV were self‐reported, and related to psychosocial factors. Half of E did not know if FV were local and of those that did know, over half reported < 25% LFV. Most E perceived benefits of LFV and few barriers; however >;40% E perceived that LFV are too expensive. Overall self‐efficacy was low, with only 21% of E agreeing that they can get most of the LFV they want all year. About half of the sites had taken children on farm field trips and planted a garden; over 30% had used LFV in snacks or taste tests; few had invited a farmer to the ECC or held a harvest festival or farmers market. Perceived benefits and self‐efficacy were related to % of LFV served. Fewer barriers and higher benefits were related to more classroom FG activities. Nutrition education should thus address ways to increase perceived benefits, decrease barriers and improve self‐efficacy to LFV. Food safety education should address issues of FG visits, gardens, snacks and tasting LFV.Grant Funding Source: This project is supported by The National Integrated Food Safety Initiative (NIFSI) Competitive Grant Program from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Award 2011–51110‐30996.