| Institution: | 1. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia;2. CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia;3. CSIRO Education, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia |
| Abstract: | ObjectiveTo measure the effectiveness of a new sensory education program for Australian primary (elementary) schoolchildren (Vegetable Education Resource to Increase Children's Acceptance and Liking VERTICAL]) designed to increase vegetable enjoyment and positively predispose to vegetable consumption.MethodsPretest and posttest (collected 2 weeks after intervention) survey data (n?=?299) on cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral factors associated with vegetable consumption were compared between the intervention (which followed VERTICAL, a program consisting of five?1-hour teacher-led interventions) and control students (aged 8–12 years) from Sydney primary schools.ResultsThe VERTICAL intervention increased knowledge about vegetables and the senses (P?=?.002), the ability to verbalize sensations (P < .001), vegetable acceptance (P?=?.007), and willingness to try vegetables (P?=?.05). Middle primary students gained more positive attitudes toward vegetable consumption (P?=?.009). Moreover, VERTICAL had no effect on food neophobia, perceived norms of teacher and peers, emotions, behavioral intentions, and vegetables tried.Conclusions and ImplicationsBehavioral change was achieved through VERTICAL in a short intervention, supporting further development and validation. |
