February Journal Article Summary

Impact of Garden-Based Youth Nutrition Intervention Programs: A Review

The health and nutrition of youth in the US is a high priority for food and nutrition professionals. Educating these individuals effectively and encouraging increased fruit and vegetable intake could insure good health and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Research is needed and warranted in this area for prevention but also because it is a good time to start healthy behaviors.

School-based nutrition education programs are moderately improving fruit and vegetable intake in youth. Fruit intake tends to be higher for children; however starting a garden based nutrition education program for children is increasing their awareness of vegetables. Through ongoing research that allows youth to plant, harvest and prepare a variety of vegetables and some fruits increases their exposure and triggers their curiosity. These programs have been found in schools and community settings where the leaders are reporting noted improvements in youth regarding their attitudes about the environment, community spirit, social skills, self-confidence, leadership skills, volunteerism, motor skills, scholastic achievement and nutritional attitudes. These hands on programs can also result in an understanding of food systems through cultivation connecting food with the environment and the community.

The programs may be a promising strategy to improve dietary intake, therefore there is a need to evaluate existing peer reviewed literature regarding educational intervention methods. As future professionals in the field these articles will aid in developing effective programs and provide the rationale for program funding. Articles reviewed from 1990 through June of 2007 representing a variety of geographic regions, using a several different intervention designs and methods of measurement were reviewed. Eleven studies were chosen after meeting certain criteria. Of these eleven studies 5 were located on school grounds, 3 were part of an after-school program, and 3 in the community. The studies evaluated fruit and vegetable intake, willingness to taste fruits and vegetables and their preferences.

A summary of outcomes from these studies found 3 out of 5 at school programs had significant increase in intake and all but one had an increase in the willingness to taste new vegetables. The after-school program had 1 out of 3 reporting a significant increase in intake, and 3 of 3 in the community showed a significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake. Collectively the results gave insight to the appropriateness and the effects of garden-based nutrition education. Naturally the different sample sizes, lengths of study, environments and methods of measurement may provide limitations in evaluation. However the outcomes follow suit with the growing interest in garden-based nutrition education. The literature in this area is limited but relevant and has a promising potential for increased fruit and vegetable intake and the willingness to try them. Future research is warranted to further support the positive impact of these creative and effective programs.

Lautenschlager L., Smith C., Understanding gardening and dietary habits among youth garden program participants using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Appetite, 2007; 49: 122-130.