Nutritious foods during early childhood lay a foundation for lifelong health. Yet more than half of children under age 6 in Kentucky do not consume the recommended daily amounts of fruit and vegetables that are core components of nutritious eating patterns. Exposure to a variety of fruit and vegetables and encouragement and praise to engage senses beyond taste can support increased willingness to try new foods. 

Ten Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents across Kentucky are piloting Dr. Yum’s Food Adventure, an evidence-based program for encouraging children to enjoy more fruits and vegetables. This is the first time this program has been delivered through Extension. This multi-sensory, interactive curriculum aligns with early education standards, provides additional activities for teachers, resources for caregivers, and reshapes language about food. Most importantly, children have fun learning about the superpowers of fruits and vegetables and exploring each food with all their senses.

In the first six months of piloting the program, FCS agents taught 19 lessons to more than 600 children preschool-aged children. Agents have delivered the program in a variety of settings, including early childhood development centers, migrant Head Start programs, state-supported preschools, faith-based organizations, and Laugh and Learn groups for children and caregivers. Agents exposed children to spinach, pumpkin, apples, pomegranate, avocado, peppers, and more. Sixty-three percent of children gave a thumbs up to indicate they liked the food. What is even more exciting is that nearly all children were willing to try a food and engaged other senses, something that is celebrated since it takes time to learn to like new foods. 

We’ve heard praise from all those involved - agents, teachers, children, and caregivers. One agent shared the program encouraged her to try pomegranate arils for the first time - “Between the eight of us, we ate a whole pomegranate.” On apple day, one child yelled out “This is the best day ever!” as they spread the peanut butter and crunched the cereal. In the same classroom, the agent noted “A child with sensory issues participated in all areas and put the apple ring sandwich up to touch his lips. Last time he screamed repeatedly at the mention of trying the food. I consider this a HUGE win.” Even better, classroom experiences are translating to home. One parent said, “I just wanted to say thank you for what you do! He has loved everything you do. We got him the cutting boards and knives for Christmas, and someone is gifting him a single smoothie blender with fruit.”