The Wisconsin fresh fruit and vegetable program

by Tschida, Anne-Marie.

Children and adolescents in the United States, overall, do not have healthy food habits. Previous studies indicate poor intakes of fruits and vegetables, with both genders failing to meet the fruit and vegetable recommendations set forth by both the Food Guide Pyramid (My Pyramid) and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These poor food habits can contribute to an undesirable body weight. It is estimated that 16% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years are obese. Childhood obesity can predict adult obesity; therefore food habits learned early in life tend to persist into adulthood and are very important lessons to be learned early in life. The main objective ofthis study was to examine the attitudes, behaviors and willingness to try new and different fruits and vegetables. The subjects included males and females in the 4th grade at both rural and urban schools within Wisconsin. A total of 127 students, 57 male and 70 female completed the survey designed specifically for this study. Research Adviser: Lydia Chowa, MS, RD, DrPH, RN III The results of this study indicated that males and females had failed to meet the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The average overall intake of fruits and vegetables was less than a single serving per day. Males were found to eat more fruit than females , with an average of near three-fourths of a serving daily. Females were found to eat more vegetables than males, consuming an average ofone serving per day. Males also appeared more willing to try new and different fruits and vegetables than females. The results of this are of benefit to the many groups that are personally, as well as professionally, involved, specifically the USDA for future funding and expansion within the FFVP and the schools, nutrition professionals and other public health educators. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to determine the quantity of targeted fruits and vegetables consumed, individualize FFQ, and incorporate larger sample sizes for better generalization. iv The Graduate School University of Wisconsin Stout Menomonie, WI