Vegetable Preferences Research Articles

Child assessments of vegetable preferences and cooking self-efficacy show predictive validity with targeted diet quality measures

BackgroundCooking interventions have the potential to improve child diet quality because cooking involvement is associated with positive changes in dietary behavior. Valid and reliable instruments that are low-cost and convenient to administer are needed to feasibly assess the impact of cooking interventions on dietary behavior. The purpose of the current research is to examine the validity of fruit and vegetable preferences, cooking attitudes and self-efficacy assessments to predict targeted Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI) scores among 4th-grade youth.MethodsChild fruit and vegetable preferences, cooking attitudes, self-efficacy, age, sex and race/ethnicity were collected with the Fuel for Fun survey in classroom settings using a standardized administration protocol. Child dietary assessment data consisted of three 24-h dietary recalls collected by telephone over a 2–4 week period by trained interviewers using a standard protocol. Bootstrapped linear regressions examined the predictive validity of fruit and vegetable preference, cooking attitudes and cooking self-efficacy for the Total and 4 targeted HEI components: whole fruit, total vegetables, green vegetables and beans, and empty calories. Logistic regressions were used to confirm the relationships between Fuel for Fun survey items and HEI components. Sex and a categorical variable for race/ethnicity were included as a priori controls in each regression model.ResultsVegetable preference predicted positive associations with HEI Total Score, Total Vegetables, and Green Vegetables and Beans (p < 0.05) Each additional 2 point increase in cooking self-efficacy was associated with a 1.33 point HEI Score increase, even after including BMI z-score as a control (b = 0.667, p = 0.003). Fruit preference and cooking attitudes did not significantly predict HEI total or component scores.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that low-cost, validated measures of vegetable preferences and cooking self-efficacy predict diet quality in 4th grade children. These results also reinforce the relationship between cooking and healthful dietary behavior.

Contribution of non‐native plants to the phylogenetic homogenization of U.S. yard floras

AbstractCultivation and spread of non‐native plant species may result in either phylogenetic homogenization (increasing similarity) or differentiation (decreasing similarity) of urban floras. However, it is unknown how non‐native species influence homogenization of cultivated versus spontaneously occurring species in cities, and which traits are associated with species that promote homogenization versus differentiation. In this study, we compared homogenization effects of cultivated and spontaneous non‐native species in yard floras across and within seven widely distributed U.S. cities. Additionally, we explored which traits explained their particular contribution to homogenization. We recorded plant presence/absence in 178 private yards distributed among seven metropolitan statistical areas in the United States. We compared phylogenetic homogenization effects of non‐native species within both the cultivated and spontaneous species pools using phylogenetic dissimilarities and the homogenization index. Then, we expressed contributions of non‐native species to the homogenization of each pool as a function of two different sets of plant functional traits using phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models across and within cities. Across cities, spontaneous non‐native species homogenized, and cultivated non‐native species differentiated, yard floras. Within the spontaneous pool, short, small‐seeded non‐native plants and non‐native grasses significantly homogenized yard floras. Within the cultivated pool, species contribution to homogenization was best predicted by plant height, presence of showy flowers, and growth form, with non‐native grasses significantly homogenizing cultivated yard floras. Within cities, non‐native species—whether they were cultivated or spontaneous—consistently homogenized yard floras of the three northern cities and differentiated yard floras of three of the four southern cities, suggesting that homogenization processes are context‐ and scale‐dependent. Likewise, traits explaining homogenization differed substantially among cities. The inconsistent patterns among cities in the plant traits that promoted homogenization of both cultivated and spontaneous species suggest that local environmental and anthropogenic conditions of individual cities imposed strong constraints on trait selection. Linking plant functional traits that promote homogenization with residents’ preferences for vegetation may further enhance understanding of how yard plant communities assemble at regional and local scales.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Preferences Associated with the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program (2014-2016).

Purpose: To examine overall usual fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and preferences among grade 5-8 students participating in the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program (NFVP) over 3 years (2014-2016). Methods: In each year, a survey was administered 4months into the NFVP in Northern Ontario, Canada. Results: A total of 4744 students participated (2014 = 1551; 2015 = 1617; 2016 = 1576). Overall usual FV intake did not change over the 3 years, yet preferences generally increased. FVs offered by the NFVP were rated higher on preference than those not offered (fruit P < 0.001; vegetables P < 0.005). In each year, participants were more likely to consume a higher overall usual fruit intake if they had higher preference for fruit as offered by the NFVP (all P < 0.05) as opposed to not offered by the NFVP (all P > 0.05). For vegetables, participants were more likely to consume higher overall usual vegetables if they had a higher preference for vegetables as offered (all P < 0.05) and not offered by the NFVP (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study documented that higher preferences for fruit (as offered) and vegetables (as offered and not offered) were associated with higher overall usual FV intakes within each of the 3 years.

The role of sensory sensitivity in predicting food selectivity and food preferences in children with Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by involuntary, repetitive and non-rhythmic motor and vocal tics. Despite suggestion that diet may affect tics, and the substantial research into children's diet, eating behaviours and sensory processing in comorbid disorders (e.g. ASD), research in TS is lacking. The present study examined differences between children with and without TS in parental reports of child selective eating, food preferences and sensitivity, and aimed to examine sensory sensitivity as a predictor of food selectivity outcomes in children with and without TS. Thirty caregivers of children with TS (M = 10 years 8 months [SD = 2.40]) and the caregivers of 30 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) children (M = 9 years 9 months [SD = 2.50]) completed the following measures online: Short Sensory Profile, Food Preference Questionnaire for Children, Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Children with TS were reported to have significantly higher levels of food selectivity and sensory sensitivity, and less preference for fruit and vegetables than TD children. Importantly, while higher levels of overall sensory sensitivity predicted eating outcomes in the TS group, only sensitivity to taste/smell was found to be a predictor of food selectivity and preference for vegetables for both groups of children. The findings suggest that efforts to address food selectivity in children with TS may be enhanced by including strategies that address atypical sensory processing.

Pumpkin is “yucky”!: A prospective study of overt and covert restriction in the development of young children's food preferences

The aim of the study was to investigate maternal feeding strategies as prospective predictors of young children's food preferences. Participants were 106 mother – child dyads with data collected when children were aged 4 (Time 1) and then again at 6 years old (Time 2). Mothers completed an initial questionnaire at Time 1 which contained measures of restrictive and covert feeding strategies. Children were interviewed concerning their food preferences and had their height and weight measured at Time 1 and again two years later (Time 2). Longitudinal regression results showed that Time 1 parental restrictive feeding predicted decreased child-reported preferences for fruit and vegetables and increased preferences for salty food and sweets at Time 2. Conversely, Time 1 parental covert control predicted greater child-reported preferences for fruit and vegetables over time. The results provide longitudinal evidence of the negative impact of restrictive feeding, and of the positive impact of covert control, on the development of young children's food preferences.

Fruit and Vegetable Preferences and Practices May Hinder Participation in Community-Supported Agriculture Among Low-Income Rural Families

Fruit and Vegetable Preferences and Practices May Hinder Participation in Community-Supported Agriculture Among Low-Income Rural Families

Parental feeding style changes the relationships between children's food preferences and food parenting practices: The case for comprehensive food parenting interventions by pediatric healthcare professionals.

To determine if parental feeding styles (emotional environment of the meal) moderate the relationship between food parenting practices (goal-directed behaviors) and children's preferences for fruits, vegetables, or high fat/sugar foods. This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited parents (n = 108) of preschool age children. The parents completed several questionnaires. Linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between food parenting practices and children's food preferences as moderated by feeding style, with the authoritative feeding style serving as the reference. Parental feeding styles were found to be moderators between several food parenting practices and child food preferences. When compared with parents with the authoritative feeding style (high demands, responds to child's needs), children like vegetables significantly less if indulgent (low demands, responds to child's needs) parents allow children to control their own eating, or authoritarian (high demands, does not respond to child's needs), or uninvolved (low demands, does not respond to child's needs) parents provide a healthy food environment. The authoritative style was not always preferential. For example, children of uninvolved parents who used food as a reward liked vegetables significantly more than children of parents who had the authoritative feeding style who also used food as a reward. In addition, children of authoritarian parents who modeled healthy eating liked foods high in fat and/or sugar significantly less than children of authoritative parents. When discussing child diet quality with parents, pediatric nurses should educate parents on both food parenting practices and feeding style, or the meal's emotional climate, as children experience both of these during mealtime interactions. In addition, for educational efforts, it may be advantageous to tailor interventions based upon the parent's feeding style.

Preferences versus the Environment: How Do School Fruit and Vegetable Programs Affect Children's Fresh Produce Consumption?

AbstractWe assess the effects of the European Union's School Fruit and Vegetables Scheme (SFVS) on reported consumption frequencies and revealed preferences for fruit and vegetables among schoolchildren. Estimated treatment effects based on double‐difference models indicate that the SFVS raised children's fruit and vegetable consumption frequency by 30% to 50%. However, the results from actual choice data show that children exposed to the program had a decreased probability of choosing apple slices over cookies. Our findings suggest that the program increased fruit and vegetable consumption because of increased availability, exposure, and awareness rather than actual preference changes.

Rating consumption of traditional vegetables in Tanzania using the awareness, interest, desire and action (AIDA) model

Traditional African vegetables are important for their nutraceutical benefits and contributions to farm household incomes. Consequently, their consumption, particularly among rural and urban households in developing countries, has been promoted and emphasized in recent years. Despite their multiple benefits, consumer awareness, and preference for traditional vegetables is low. This study uses the awareness, interest, desire and action (AIDA) marketing communication model to evaluate consumer awareness and perceptions and assess factors that influence consumption of traditional vegetables among 258 respondents in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Most of the respondents were aware of the nutritional importance of traditional vegetables, willing to purchase them for home consumption, and had a positive perception of their benefits. Consumers who had participated in the promotional activities were more willing to purchase and grow traditional vegetables than non-participants. The major sources of information about human nutrition and traditional vegetables included health centers, schools, friends, relatives, and radio programmes. African nightshade, African eggplant, amaranth and okra were the most widely consumed traditional vegetables. They were mainly purchased from the market. Regression estimates indicate that the consumption of traditional vegetables increases with positive health perceptions, better training, domestic production of vegetables, and increased promotional activities. Scaling up consumers awareness and home gardening would help to increase availability and consumption of traditional vegetables.

The effects of a nutrition education curriculum on improving young children's fruit and vegetable preferences and nutrition and health knowledge.

The main objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a nutrition education curriculum to enhance young children's dietary behaviours and nutrition and health knowledge. A randomized controlled design was utilized. The intervention was designed to improve children's nutrition and health knowledge and preferences for fruits and vegetables through classroom lessons and activities, including direct instruction and tastings (implemented twice per week for 6 weeks). The study took place in elementary schools in a Midwestern US state. One hundred and thirty-one 2nd grade children from ten classrooms (n 82 intervention, n 49 control) participated. Multiple regression analyses that adjusted se for clustering by classroom were used to test hypotheses. Children in the intervention condition demonstrated significantly higher scores on the nutrition and health survey (β=0·47, P=0·001) and showed greater preferences for fruits and vegetables at post-test than the control group (β=0·19, P=0·003). Findings suggest that a short, 6-week intervention that aligns with educational standards has the ability to significantly enhance children's outcomes and thus may be a more feasible option for teachers to incorporate into their classrooms than what is currently available.

Fruit and Vegetable Preferences and Practices May Hinder Participation in Community-Supported Agriculture Among Low-Income Rural Families

Describe fruit and vegetable (FV) preferences and other factors that may influence participation in community-supported agriculture (CSA). In-depth, semi-structured interviews. Eight rural/micropolitan communities in 4 US states. There were 41 caregivers and 20 children (8-12 years of age) from low-income, English-speaking households. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding FVs; perceived barriers to CSA participation. Transcribed verbatim and iteratively coded. Caregivers and children believed FVs were important to health, yet FVs were not featured in dinners or snacks and consumption was challenged by limited preferences and neophobia. Few caregivers and children knew about the seasonality of FV. Most caregivers were unfamiliar with CSA and had concerns about CSA cost, accessibility, produce quality, and selection. These qualitative data support improvements in: 1) CSA distribution practices to offer flexible payment and pick-up options, more fruits, and self-selection of FV; 2) public awareness of produce seasonality and the CSA distribution model as necessary precursors to participation, and lower cost for low-income families who highlighted this barrier; and 3) capacity to prepare FV by enhancing skills and providing time-saving kitchen tools. Approaches to aligning CSA practices with the needs and preferences of low-income families warrant further research.

School gardening increases knowledge of primary school children on edible plants and preference for vegetables.

At least 10% of children worldwide are diagnosed with overweight. Part of this problem is attributed to low vegetable intake, for which preference at a younger age is an indicator. Few studies examined long‐term effects of school garden interventions on the knowledge about and preference for vegetables. Therefore, in this study, an intervention period of 7 months (17 lessons) was organized for primary school students (n = 150) of age 10–12 years in the Municipality of Nijmegen (the Netherlands). Surveys were conducted before and after the intervention period to test the ability of students to identify vegetables, to measure their self‐reported preference for vegetables, and to analyze students’ attitudes toward statements about gardening, cooking, and outdoor activity. The long‐term effects were measured by repeating the survey 1 year after the intervention (n = 52). Results were compared with a control group of students (n = 65) with similar background and tested for significance with α = 0.05. School gardening significantly increases the knowledge of primary schoolchildren on 10 vegetables as well as their ability to self‐report preference for the vegetables. The short‐term (n = 106) and long‐term (n = 52) preference for vegetables increased (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. The latter did not show a significant learning effect (p > 0.05). This implies that the exposure to vegetables generated by school gardening programs may increase willingness to taste and daily intake of vegetables on the long term. Students’ attitudes toward gardening, cooking, and outdoor activity were unaffected by the intervention.

Settlement and landscape history of the northern Franconian Jura during the Bronze and Iron Ages

Although hillforts, ritual sites and burial mounds have been in existence in various regions, the German Central Uplands have largely been considered void of rural occupation during the Bronze and Iron Ages (approx. 2100-30 BC). The presence of these sites, combined with mounting evidence from geoarchives of human impact on the landscape since the Neolithic, has led us to investigate the settlement and landscape history of the Northern Franconian Jura in Bavaria as a model region for studying human activity in and impact on the German Central Uplands during the Metal Ages.In this article, we present the first results of an interdisciplinary study of the Weismain river catchment undertaken since 2013. A combination of geoarchaeological and archaeological, on-site and off-site, field and lab investigations at both valley and plateau sites revealed evidence of human land use and settlement from the 16th century BC (Middle Bronze Age) onwards, with further emerging evidence of changing vegetation, land-use strategies and settlement preferences until the end of the Iron Age. While research is still ongoing, it may be concluded that in the study region, and possibly other parts of the German Central Uplands, land use had begun earlier and was more intense and varied than previously thought.

Hydrological regime and climate interactively shape riparian vegetation composition along the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

AbstractQuestionsHow closely do riparian plant communities track hydrological and climatic variation in space, and how do interactions among hydrological and climatic filters influence success of flow management strategies?LocationGrand Canyon, Arizona, USA.MethodsMulti‐year vegetation surveys were conducted across three hydrological zones—active channel, active flood‐plain and inactive flood‐plain—within each of 42 sandbars that vary geographically in temperature and precipitation along a 400‐km river segment. Ecological niche models were used to estimate locally optimal conditions of maximum inundation duration, elevation above daily peak flow, mean annual precipitation and mean maximum and minimum temperature for 16 of the most abundant woody and 58 of the most abundant herbaceous plant species. These estimates were used to calculate CWM environmental preferences, which were used to determine how closely vegetation preferences tracked local variation in environmental factors, and to assess interactive responses of species and communities to variation in hydrology and climate.ResultsCommunities closely tracked hydrological variation across zones, but less so within zones. Communities tracked variation in minimum temperature more closely than maximum temperature or precipitation. At the species level, woody plants that were more abundant in wetter hydrological conditions were also more abundant in wetter climatic conditions, and vice versa. This relationship was even stronger at the community level, where there were significant negative relationships between CWM preferences of inundation duration and temperature for both woody and herbaceous vegetation.ConclusionsThe climate–hydrology linkages found in this system suggest that increasing temperatures and drought are likely to reduce the inundation tolerance of riparian vegetation within the Grand Canyon. Increasing the duration of high‐flow events would likely reduce the abundance of encroaching woody vegetation but could also reduce the resilience of remaining vegetation to heatwaves and drought. The reinforcing effects of climatic and hydrological filters are likely to generally result in greater sensitivity of species composition to environmental change than if those environmental filters acted independently. These results have implications for predicting resource responses to environmental change, as well as prescriptions for direct vegetation management to enhance resilience.

Shedding light on a cryptic macropodid: home ranges and habitat preferences of translocated western brush wallabies (Notamacropus irma)

A salvage translocation of western brush wallabies (Notamacropus irma (Jourdan, 1837)) was a condition of approval to build a new runway at Jandakot Airport, Western Australia. Since little is known about this endemic Western Australian species, the translocation presented a valuable opportunity to gain information on the species after release into Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve, a 260-ha reserve where these animals had been recorded previously. We aimed to gain information on the biology and ecology of the species and follow the movement of individuals tracked with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars over six months to determine their short-term survival, home-range establishment, overlap in home range between individuals, and habitat utilisation in the reserve. Weekly mean home-range estimates did not differ between males (10.0±9.7 (s.d.) ha, 95% KDE, n=6) and females (12.1±6.1 (s.d.) ha, 95% KDE, n=5) (P=0.473). Some males had 67–70% overlap in home ranges with some females, but substantial distances maintained between individuals (from 123±110m to 292±303m) confirmed the solitary nature of the species. Western brush wallabies preferred Banksia spp. woodlands, possibly due to the availability of canopy cover, and some specific understorey associations, such as Hibbertia hypericoides, that form part of their diet. Our study highlighted the importance of understanding the home-range establishment and vegetation preferences of translocated animals that will inform the planning of future translocations.

Helping With Meal Preparation and Children's Dietary Intake: A Literature Review.

Most children and adolescents do not meet dietary recommendations that may result in poor diets contributing to obesity. This systematic literature review was conducted to examine associations between helping with meal preparation at home and dietary quality, intake of specific foods, and/or dietary-related perceptions among youth. A search of databases using key terms was conducted for studies meeting criteria. This literature review included 15 studies using a cross-sectional descriptive design, with two studies also including a longitudinal design. Data were self-reported (or parent-reported) using various surveys and/or interviews. Study findings supported positive associations between youth involvement in home meal preparation and improvement in overall dietary quality, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, greater preference for vegetables, and higher self-efficacy for cooking and choosing healthy foods. Further research is needed to develop efficacious meal preparation interventions involving parents and their children to promote this mealtime behavior with many potential health benefits.

Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Fruits and Vegetables Selected and Consumed at School Lunch among Second- and Third-Grade Students

BackgroundInterventions designed to encourage fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption within schools are increasingly common. Thus, there is a need for valid, practical dietary assessment instruments to evaluate their effectiveness. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the validity of a group-administered, paper-and-pencil questionnaire to assess F/V selection and consumption at school lunch relative to digital photography. DesignThis was a five-phase, method-comparison study in which the questionnaire was iteratively modified between each phase. Participants/settingThe study examined sets of questionnaires and photographs of lunch trays (n=1,213) collected on 44 days between May 2015 and June 2016 among second-grade students from three New York City schools (phases 1 to 4) and second- and third-grade students from 20 schools across eight states (phase 5). Main outcome measuresOutcomes assessed were selection, amount eaten, preference, and intention to consume F/V. Statistical analyses performedValidity was assessed by percent agreement (categorized as “match, omission, or intrusion” for items on or off tray and “match, overestimation, or underestimation” for amount eaten), Spearman correlation coefficients, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). ResultsThe total match rate for items on tray was substantial (phases 1 to 5: 83%, 84%, 92%, 93%, and 89%), with items more frequently intruded than omitted. For amounts eaten, the total match rates were moderate, but generally improved throughout the study (phases 1 to 5: 65%, 64%, 83%, 83%, and 76%), with overestimations more frequent than underestimations. There was good correspondence between methods in the estimates of amount eaten in a quantitative, cup equivalent amount (fruit ICC=0.61; vegetables ICC=0.64). Significant differences (α=.05) were not observed between second- and third-grade students, respectively, in the match rate for fruits (86% and 89%) or vegetable (89% and 86%) items on tray or fruit (69% and 73%) and vegetables (74% and 76%) amount eaten. Excellent correlations were observed between amount eaten and preference for fruit (r=0.91) and vegetables (r=0.93). ConclusionsThe questionnaire offers a feasible, valid instrument for assessing F/V selection and consumption among elementary students in schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Additional research is recommended to test the instrument’s sensitivity and to reproduce these findings using an alternative reference method, such as direct observations.

Post-fledging movement and spatial ecology of the endangered Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)

The post-fledging dependence period (PFDP) is one of the most critical stages in the life history of some avian species. Birds are particularly sensitive to mortality during this stage as they must learn essential skills, such as efficient locomotion, proficient food location and predator avoidance. Knowledge of the PFDP would provide valuable information for conservation management of endangered species, many of which experience high juvenile fatality rates. Post-fledging movements of five endangered Cape Vultures were recorded using Global Positioning System/Global System for Mobile communication telemetry in South Africa. Home range sizes, distances travelled from the nest and habitat use were determined over 11 months during the PFDP. Fledglings increased their home range progressively for the first 2 months, then exhibited a rapid increase in home range size associated with dispersal from their natal colony. Maximum net daily distance also rapidly increased following the dispersal period. A preference for protected areas and woody vegetation (representing cliff faces used for roosting) in terms of habitat use for foraging was evident. The knowledge of the movement and habitat use of juvenile Cape Vultures can aid in the effective conservation planning for the species. Conservation programs in identified areas can be focused on power line and wind-farm mitigation, areas of supplementary feeding and anti-poisoning events.

Cirsium greimleri

The newly described diploid species Cirsium greimleri (2n = 34; 2C = 1929.1‘60.6 Mbp) belongs to Cirsium sect. Cirsium and is distributed sparsely throughout the Eastern Alps and Dinarides, whereas the closely related tetraploid vicarious species C. waldsteinii (2n = 68; 2C = 3682.3‘69.8 Mbp) is endemic to the south-eastern Carpathians. The ploidy, genetic and morphological separation of both taxa is confirmed using flow cytometry, AFLP and morphometric analyses of 169 plants from 27 populations covering representatively distribution ranges of the respective species. The species differ in flower colour, with those of C. greimleri ruby red to brownish-purple and those of C. waldsteinii pinkish-purple to purple. The colour difference remains consistent when both species are cultivated together under the same conditions. Differences between the species in the size of the stomata, achenes, corollas, styles and pappus are statistically significant and congruent with differences in the ploidy level. Because both species are gynodioecious (their populations contain female and hermaphrodite plants), the generative features should be compared carefully with respect to gender (e.g. females with females) because the between-gender differences within the same species could be larger than the between-species differences. The basal and median cauline leaves of C. waldsteinii are narrower and more deeply lobed than those of C. greimleri. A slight difference in the flowering period is detected when both species are cultivated together, with C. waldsteinii flowering two weeks earlier than C. greimleri. Both species share ecological/ habitat preferences for subalpine woodland tall-forb vegetation. While C. waldsteinii hybridizes extremely rarely with co-occurring diploid congeners, C. greimleri produce hybrids very often, which increase the risk of its extinction via genetic erosion.

Teens-as-teachers nutrition program increases interest in science among schoolchildren and fosters self-efficacy in teens

The Healthy Living Ambassador Program brings health, teen leadership, and teamwork to California's elementary school gardens through interdisciplinary UC Cooperative Extension collaboration, community-based partnerships and teen teaching. During spring 2015, teen ambassadors trained by Extension educators and volunteers at UC Elkus Ranch in San Mateo County taught nutrition science, food cultivation and healthy living skills in an 8-week, garden-based, after-school nutrition and physical education program for elementary school children in an urban setting. We conducted a pilot study using a mixed-methods approach to measure and explore the program's impact on children's vegetable selection and consumption preferences, as well as perceived self-efficacy in teen healthy living behavior. The children trended toward an increased preference for gardening, cooking and science, and teens displayed an increase in perceived health self-efficacy.