Describe the Issue or Situation.

Consuming a balanced diet is vital at all ages, but especially during times of growth and development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half a child’s plate include fruits and vegetables. However, in Kentucky, we are not meeting this recommendation with 43% of children aged 1-5 years consuming fruit less than daily and 54% of children consuming vegetables less than daily. Establishing healthy eating patterns in early childhood is important to ensure proper growth and development and because of the impact it can have on health in adolescence and into adulthood. 

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure is an evidence-based, interactive curriculum that encourages preschool-aged children, 3-6 years, to engage with fruits and vegetables with all their senses. Each lesson includes an educational component of the nutrients offered in the featured fruit or vegetable, an interactive portion for hands-on engagement with the produce, and an opportunity to taste the featured food, either in a recipe, on its own, or both. 

This program is shown to improve preschoolers’ attitudes and behaviors toward healthy eating, particularly with decreased food fussiness and increased food enjoyment. To support healthy eating practices in their communities, ten Family and Consumer Science Agents offered Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure to new and existing groups in a variety of settings including public schools, homeschools, and existing Extension groups.  

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Over the course of 39 lessons, 852 children were involved in a lesson featuring a new or familiar fruit or vegetable. Of those that attended the lessons, an average of 53 percent ate all the food offered. Another 52 percent tried some of the food. Of the 11 percent that were not interested in trying the food, 88 percent were willing to engage with the food with their other senses including smell, sight, and/or touch. After being given the opportunity to try the food, participants were asked whether they liked it. Of these participants, 67 percent reported liking the featured food and 15 percent reported somewhat liking the food.   

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Repeatedly exposing children to fruits and vegetables in a fun, low pressure environment provides them with a chance to learn to like new foods.  Offering Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure with some of our youngest Kentuckians can help the next generation become adventurous eaters that enjoy more fruit and vegetables supporting their health now and in the future.