Talking with Preschool Children about Fruits and Vegetables

Evidence shows that fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) among preschool children is low, with about one third consuming the recommended five servings daily. Research in this area predominantly uses parent reports to obtain information about child consumption and attitudes. The current study utilized a picture card game and individual interviews with preschool children to elicit their attitudes directly. In addition, FVC at school was measured through digital images of plate waste. The setting was a lottery-funded school open to all families regardless of income. The school was one of two in the county and served 220 children aged 4 years. Unique challenges arise when interviewing children this young and working in a preschool setting. This seminar will share these challenges, how they were overcome, overall methods and what results (including child dialogue) were obtained helpful in painting a picture of the fruit and vegetable environment for these children in a rural, low-income county.