Children learn to eat more fruits and vegetables if they start when they're young. This is the goal of a two-year project called "organic fruit and vegetable intervention for children," which was started by the Louis Bolk Institute at the end of 2014 at child care centers. The consumption and effect of the fruits and vegetables offered is being accurately tracked.
Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables leads to health risks. Previous research has shown that virtually all age groups do not eat enough fruits and vegetables each day. It has been scientifically proven that taste preferences develop at a young age. That is why this project has been started at child care centers, beginning in the Amsterdam and Rotterdam regions. Children often have to try a new taste 8 to 10 times before they will accept it. Child care is a suitable learning environment for offering more fruits and vegetables. In addition, learning to eat healthy when young will lead to a more healthy adult lifestyle, and will lower the risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.
Designing the project
Through a literature review and focus groups with teachers the most appropriate nutrition interventions have been developed for children (phase 1). The goal is to offer a wider and more varied amount of fruits and vegetables, with the focus on organic products. At this time (phase 2), the interventions are implemented and it becomes clear how they contribute to higher fruit and vegetable consumption. The final consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the effects of this on the children, are accurately tracked. In addition, the experience of parents and teachers are included in the evaluation.
The 'Organic fruit and vegetable intervention for children' project
The 'Organic fruit and vegetable intervention for children' project
This project is part of the joint venture 'More fruits and vegetables for everyone' and is being financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Some of the partners include; Greenport, BD totaal and Odin/Estafette. At a later stage in the project the healthcare industry will participate. The results of this research will be published Spring 2016. Lucy van de Vijver from the Louis Bolk Institute is the project leader.