“This is Way Better than Cheetos!”: Changing Children’s Eating Behavior Through Garden and Kitchen-Based Nutrition Education

Abstract

ObjectiveTo increase children’s consumption of healthier foods through hands-on garden and kitchen experiences.Target AudienceThe children participating in the Olivewood Gardens program are primarily from National City, CA where 50% of the children are overweight or obese. Approximately 76% of students qualify for free/ reduced price lunch and 80% are Hispanic/Latino. In National City, the rate of hospitalization due to diabetes is more than twice the rate of the county average.Theory, Prior Research, RationaleDiets high in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower risks for chronic diseases and can prevent obesity. Studies show that garden-based nutrition education can significantly increase children’s knowledge of, preference for, and consumption of fruits and vegetables.DescriptionOlivewood’s children’s program brings 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from local schools for sequential visits to the gardens each year for hands-on gardening, cooking, and science/nutrition lessons.EvaluationOlivewood administers an annual pre and post program assessment to participating students to measure changes in attitudes, behavior, and knowledge of food. Results show that repeat exposures to garden-based nutrition education encourages “adventurous eating” and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Teachers and parents observed a positive influence on food choices observed at school and at home. Results indicate that children are eating more fruit and vegetables and are more adventurous eaters as a result of participating in the program.Conclusions and ImplicationsRepeated participation in hands-on gardening and cooking experiences increases children’s consumption of healthier foods. Developing familiarity with fruits and vegetables encourages children to become “adventurous” eaters.FundingNone ObjectiveTo increase children’s consumption of healthier foods through hands-on garden and kitchen experiences. To increase children’s consumption of healthier foods through hands-on garden and kitchen experiences. Target AudienceThe children participating in the Olivewood Gardens program are primarily from National City, CA where 50% of the children are overweight or obese. Approximately 76% of students qualify for free/ reduced price lunch and 80% are Hispanic/Latino. In National City, the rate of hospitalization due to diabetes is more than twice the rate of the county average. The children participating in the Olivewood Gardens program are primarily from National City, CA where 50% of the children are overweight or obese. Approximately 76% of students qualify for free/ reduced price lunch and 80% are Hispanic/Latino. In National City, the rate of hospitalization due to diabetes is more than twice the rate of the county average. Theory, Prior Research, RationaleDiets high in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower risks for chronic diseases and can prevent obesity. Studies show that garden-based nutrition education can significantly increase children’s knowledge of, preference for, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are associated with lower risks for chronic diseases and can prevent obesity. Studies show that garden-based nutrition education can significantly increase children’s knowledge of, preference for, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. DescriptionOlivewood’s children’s program brings 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from local schools for sequential visits to the gardens each year for hands-on gardening, cooking, and science/nutrition lessons. Olivewood’s children’s program brings 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from local schools for sequential visits to the gardens each year for hands-on gardening, cooking, and science/nutrition lessons. EvaluationOlivewood administers an annual pre and post program assessment to participating students to measure changes in attitudes, behavior, and knowledge of food. Results show that repeat exposures to garden-based nutrition education encourages “adventurous eating” and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Teachers and parents observed a positive influence on food choices observed at school and at home. Results indicate that children are eating more fruit and vegetables and are more adventurous eaters as a result of participating in the program. Olivewood administers an annual pre and post program assessment to participating students to measure changes in attitudes, behavior, and knowledge of food. Results show that repeat exposures to garden-based nutrition education encourages “adventurous eating” and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Teachers and parents observed a positive influence on food choices observed at school and at home. Results indicate that children are eating more fruit and vegetables and are more adventurous eaters as a result of participating in the program. Conclusions and ImplicationsRepeated participation in hands-on gardening and cooking experiences increases children’s consumption of healthier foods. Developing familiarity with fruits and vegetables encourages children to become “adventurous” eaters. Repeated participation in hands-on gardening and cooking experiences increases children’s consumption of healthier foods. Developing familiarity with fruits and vegetables encourages children to become “adventurous” eaters.