Describe the Issue or Situation.

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).

Nutrition education that includes positive, encouraging language about sensory experiences with food can help children feel more comfortable to try new things. 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. 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 our community, the Clinton County Extension Office offered Dr. Yum’s Preschool Food Adventure to public preschool students. Each lesson included 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. Children are encouraged to “join the team” by touching, smelling, and/or tasting the food.

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

Over the course of 8 lessons, 349 children attended. Foods taught included bananas, kiwi, apples, and oranges. Eight supporting educators assisted with each lesson. Unique to our community, all preschool students participate in enrichment educational programming together. An average of 52 students participated in morning session Dr. Yum lessons with an average of 31 students per lesson for the afternoon session. 

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.

Of those that attended the lessons, an average of 71.42% ate all the food offered. Another 16.6% tried some of the food. Of the 10.87% that was not interested in trying the food, 88.29% were willing to engage with the food with their other senses including smell, sight, and/or touch. After given the opportunity to try the food, participants were asked whether they liked the food. Of these participants, 72.69% reported liking the featured food and 13.99% reported somewhat liking the food.

To encourage participation in Dr. Yum activities, a Super Eater Superhero Club was promoted during lesson one with the goal of having a celebration party at the end of the year. Preschoolers committed to participation and a memorable celebration wrapped up the year. High school FCS department student leaders dressed in fruit and vegetable costumes and provided help to students with both cutting skills and making the final recipe. Wally Cat also made an appearance. Students received superhero masks, tattoos and bracelets to take home. Photo opportunities with all the super foods and heroes added to the day. Along with the fun, the recall of featured foods and recipes, what it meant to be healthy, and other program aspects was quite impressive. 

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.