EFFECT ON CHILDRENS EATING BEHAVIOR AND SELF-EFFICACY FROM PARTICIPATION IN FUN WITH FOOD SUMMER CAMP

by Hill, Alma Land

The demand for nutrition professionals to develop creative programs to improve childrens eating behavior is being driven by growing numbers of overweight children and lack of food and nutrition knowledge. This study evaluated the effect on childrens eating behaviors from participation in a week-long Fun with Food camp. A survey was administered on the first day of camp and a post-survey was mailed to participants. Thirty-three participants (56%) returned a completed survey. Significant (p <.05) change was observed for seven questions which related to consumption of whole grains and vegetable and increased self-efficacy. It appears that participation in the week long Fun with Food camp was effective in changing behaviors and increasing confidence of the participants. The findings support teaching children about food from the farm to the table using hands on food experiences and exposure to new foods as an effective intervention for improving eating behaviors.