Children need daily fruits and vegetables to support healthy growth. Yet data from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health show that nearly 1 out of every 2 children aged 1- 5 years who live in Kentucky do not eat a fruit and/or vegetable every day. 

Making food fun is a way to encourage children to try new foods, especially fruit and vegetables. In August 2023, the Harlan County Extension Service held an Eating Over the Rainbow challenge for families to eat at least one fruit and vegetable each day for at least one week. The challenge included activities to do with children, tips for encouraging children to give fruit and vegetables a chance, and resources for accessing fruit and vegetables locally.  

We provided an education program with our Junior Homeakers Program and their families, that already participate in activities that include the Plate It Up curriculum.  This challenge just enhanced that educational opportunity.    

Eleven families that included 23 children took part in the Eating Over the Rainbow Challenge.  The families completed a brief survey about their experience. During participation in the challenge, 91% of families reported eating more fruit than usual and 91% reported eating more vegetables than usual. Families also reported trying at least one new fruit (91%) or vegetable (91%). Families enjoyed taking part in the fruit and vegetables challenge (91%) and felt they got helpful resources (91%). The Eating Over the Rainbow challenge created a community-wide opportunity to help children try at least one fruit and vegetable each day so they can explore, grow strong, learn, and play.