Date of Publication

1-21-2015

Abstract

Introduction:

We designed a program for four Head Start classrooms that aimed to: 1) Provide classrooms a tool that would facilitate communication with families about nutrition, 2) Educate families about the MyMeal tool, and 3) Increase fruit and vegetable consumption by providing families with fresh fruits and vegetables Fruit and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet, and sufficient consumption helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Eating behaviors during childhood are highly parentally influenced and function as the foundation for future eating patterns. Studies have shown that the extent to which fruits and vegetables are present and accessible in the home correlates with the amount of fruit and vegetables eaten by children.

Advisor(s)

Andrea Green, MD, University of Vermont College of Medicine

Jennifer Fink, MA, Champlain Valley Head Start

Missy Kuncz, Champlain Valley Head Start

Agency

Champlain Valley Head Start

Subjects

Food Safety, Health Communication and Health Information Technology, Maternal, Infant, and Child Health, Early and Middle Childhood, Educational and Community-Based Programs

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License

Evaluating Communication Tools and Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Vermont Head Start Classrooms
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