Tasty Tuesdays at S.S.S.

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 children. Recent studies estimate that 57% of today’s children will be obese by age 35. Poor nutrition, starting early in life, contributes to various health issues such as chronic constipation, gastrointestinal reflux, urinary tract infections, bedwetting, difficulty paying attention, anxiety, and fatigue.

Program Overview: Dr. Yum’s Adventure curriculum, designed for preschoolers aged 3-6 years, aims to combat this issue by introducing children to seasonal fruits and vegetables. The curriculum explains the nutritional benefits of these foods and encourages preschoolers to explore them using all their senses. This program is a collaboration between Franklin County Cooperative Extension Services Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent and two Second Street School’s Preschool classes, involving fifty-two students. It is presented twice a month on “Tasty Tuesdays” as a part of the Extension Community Needs Assessment to reduce youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise.FCS Agent, Carla A. Carter inviting preschoolers to join Team Mango.

Activities: Preschoolers engage with new foods through various activities, including art, literacy, movement, music, science, and community connections. The goal is for all preschoolers to join a collaborative team by making friends with the new food. A happy mat (see image A) is prepared with other food items from the recipe. If preschoolers do not wish to join the team, they can try the other foods presented. Parents receive notice through e-news of the recipe of the day and a feedback sheet to encourage healthy eating at home.A Happy Mat for Team Peppers

Impact: The program’s success is evident from feedback provided students:

• 92% of preschoolers love food.
• 95% of preschoolers are interested in food.
• 99% of preschoolers enjoyed tasting new foods.
• 1% of preschoolers refused to eat food.
• 80% of preschoolers enjoyed tasting new foods they hadn’t eaten before.

Feedback from Preschoolers:

• “Ms. Carla, I tried it [carrot bite], and I didn’t like it. But at least I tried it!”
• “I like kiwi!”
• “I didn’t yuck someone else’s yum.”

Parent Involvement: One preschool teacher shared that a limited English proficient parent filled out the Parent Feedback Sheet for the Green Dragon Smoothie. This was the first feedback received after four lessons. The parents noted that her preschooler enjoyed the lesson, tasting separate ingredients, and the completed recipe. The parent commented: “She [preschooler] liked the soup [smoothie] because it had strawberry in it and she liked the leaves in it that is all she like about the soup.”

Conclusion: As a result of this positive feedback, the FCS Agent will continue to foster a healthy appreciation for new foods through exploration and fun activities. Dr. Yum’s Preschool Adventure curriculum is making a significant impact in encouraging healthy eating habits among preschoolers, setting the foundation for a healthier future.