Natalie Masis1, Susan Johnson2, Jennifer McCaffrey3, and Karen Chapman-Novakofski1
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2University of Colorado Denver
3University of Illinois Extension
Background: The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) allows schools to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) exposure by distributing FV as snacks. The objective was to compare K-2nd graders exposed or not to FFVP for preferences and identification.
Methods: FV Preference Survey for K-2nd graders contained 12 fruits/12 vegetables, a 3-Likert scale (liked it, ok, don’t like it), and an “unsure” option. Data collected from K-2nd graders (n=435, FFVP school n=235 with 12 teachers, non-FFVP school n=200, 10 teachers). Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and regression analyses compared school data (p<0.05).
Results: Most preferred fruits: grapes, apples, oranges; most liked vegetables: carrots, broccoli, and cucumber. Preference higher for 4 of 12 vegetables and 1 fruit in non-FFVP vs FFVP; 4 higher fruit preferences in FFVP (p<.04). Combined fruit preference > in FFVP (Mean Rank 234.1 vs 199.15; U=19729, p<.05). Higher fruit ranking found with 1st/2nd graders at FFVP than non-FFVP (U=1788, 2648, respectively; p<0.05); higher vegetable ranking (Mean Rank 79.13 vs 52.90; U=935, p<0.05) for Kindergarteners at non-FFVP. School variable had weak impact on fruit ranking (R2 =0.01, p<.05). For fruits and vegetables and combined, there were higher “unsure” responses in the non-FFVP (X2=149.080, p<0.01).
Conclusions: At FFVP school fewer “unsure” responses suggested better FV identification. Impact on preferences was only for 4 fruits at FFVP. Tasting a variety of FV may help with identifying FV but more research is needed to determine impact on preferences.