Evaluation of Preferences Among Students Participating in the US Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

• Published in: The Journal of school health 2021-05, Vol.91 (5), p.401-409
• Main Authors: Masis, Natalie, McCaffrey, Jennifer, Johnson, Susan L., Chapman‐Novakofski, Karen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: child and adolescent health; Children; Childrens health; Demographic aspects; Eating behavior; Eating Habits; elementary school; Elementary School Students; Evaluation; Food; Food and nutrition; Food habits; Food Service; Fruit; fruit and vegetable consumption; Fruits; Government regulation; Grade 2; Healthy food; Instructional Program Divisions; Laws, regulations and rules; Likert Scales; Liking; Nursing; nutrition and diet; Preferences; school food services; School gardens; Teachers; Teenagers; Vegetable gardening; Vegetables
• ISSN: 0022-4391; 1746-1561
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.13015

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Improving children's fruit and vegetable (FV) preferences may be important as preferences can predict FV consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate FV preferences over time, with repeated experience, as part of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). METHODS Fruits (F; N = 28) and vegetables (V; N = 29) were distributed twice a week, over 35 weeks, at a participating FFVP school (N = 236 students, 12 teachers, K‐2nd grade). Preference ratings using 3‐point Likert scale were analyzed over 35 weeks. RESULTS For 57 FVs rated for preference, ratings revealed that F had higher frequency of children choosing “I like it” than for V (78% F; 38.2% V; p