U.S. childhood obesity has tripled since 1980, with 9.5% of infants and toddlers and 16.9% of children ages 2 to 19 considered obese (Ogden, Carroll, Curtin, Lamb, & Flegal, 2010). Research shows that early childhood is the ideal time to establish a taste for healthy foods and a desire to try new things in order to encourage life-long, healthy habits. With childhood obesity a growing national issue, the 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Horticulture Agents conducted a 4-month farm to school taste testing program. The goal of the program is to offer students small samples of local foods during school lunch hours in the cafeteria. This program was built upon the concept that personal connections with food and where it comes from increases consumption.

A taste test:

• Provides students the opportunity to try a variety of foods, introducing them to foods that are locally grown and in season.
• Facilitates a change in food choices, thus allowing new and local foods that are accepted by students to be integrated into school meals.
• Involves students and staff in changing school food.
• Creates positive food environments.
• Is a fun and memorable experience.

Partners in the program included the Woodford County Schools Food Service Director, four elementary schools, and the middle school. 

A total of 1500 students participated in the program. Of those that participated, approximately 50% had never tried the new combination of vegetables provided for them and a little more than 66% responded that they would eat them again the future.