Teachers’ Perceptions of an Integrated Nutrition Education Curriculum and the Impact on Preschoolers' Food Liking

Authors

Alicia Stapp, University of MississippiFollow
Laurel Lambert, University of MississippiFollow
Georgianna Mann, University of MississippiFollow
Kaitlyn Sills, University of MississippiFollow
Kenya Wolff, University of MississippiFollow

Keywords

Nutrition education, fruit/vegetable, experiential learning, teacher perceptions, early childhood

Document Type

Research Studies

Abstract

Background: Nutrition education during early childhood that includes experiential learning, modeling, and family engagement can support lifelong healthy eating habits.

Purpose: The present study examined the impact of a nutrition-integrated, 32-week supplemental curriculum entitled Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities on children’s exposure to fruits and vegetables, ability to identify fruits and vegetables, liking of fruit and vegetables, and teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum.

Methods: A pre- and post- fruit and vegetable pictorial Likert survey was administered to 261 Pre-K4 children. To investigate teachers’ perceptions of the curriculum, a post-intervention focus group was conducted with 19 teachers.

Results: Significant differences determined by Wilcoxon-sign rank tests demonstrated that children improved in ability to identify green pepper, onion, and celery (p < .05). Children also agreed that they had tasted cucumber (p < .005), and showed an increased liking for lettuce (p < .005). Three teacher focus group themes emerged as follows: (a) acquisition of new skills; (b) learning moved beyond the classroom; and (c) extending nutrition education through family engagement.

Conclusion: Findings are novel as this nutrition integrated curriculum increased children’s exposure to fruit and vegetables while simultaneously engaging teachers and the community.

Recommended Citation

Stapp, A., Lambert, L., Mann, G., Sills, K., & Wolff, K. (2024). Teachers’ Perceptions of an Integrated Nutrition Education Curriculum and the Impact on Preschoolers' Food Liking. Journal of Public Health in the Deep South, 4(2), 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55533/2996-6833.1082