It is extremely important for young children to know where their food comes from and to know how it grows.  By knowing where their food comes from, they are more likely to try new foods and help prepare family meals.  A study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) found that in 2007–2010, 60% of children aged 1–18 years did not meet U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Patterns fruit intake recommendations, and 93% did not meet vegetable recommendations. 

The SNAP-Ed Assistant for Clinton County partnered with the Clinton County Early Childhood Center Preschool teachers to present the Grow It, Try It, Like It curriculum to 120 preschool students, aged 3-5, over 6 sessions, to help educate the students on different types of fruits and vegetables, how these items are grown and how they relate to a healthy lifestyle.  The students were presented with samples of various produce that they could touch and taste.  They were shown how plants grow and participated in hands on activity where they planted seeds to grow their own vegetable plant.  

Post-Evaluations showed that 83% of students could identify various fruits and vegetables.  One student said, “I didn’t think these things {sweet potatoes} were good…boy was I wrong!” The positive results didn’t just come from the students.  One parent stated, “My daughter makes sure I don’t forget the fruits and vegetables every time we go to the grocery store.  She says they are now her favorite foods.”   This program was presented in hopes that these young students will understand the importance of the foods they eat and the value that fruits and vegetables provide to their growing bodies.