A pilot project that distributed fresh fruits and vegetables to children in Mississippi schools has resulted in increased consumption, findings that provide guidance towards a comprehensive approach for improving students’ dietary behaviour.
The results reveal that more access to the products also increased most children's willingness to try new fruits and vegetables. The research was conducted in 25 schools and involved 725 students in grades 5, 8 and 10. Researchers conducted an evaluation of consumption levels in fall before the onset of the program, and again in spring at the end of the school year. Although the ultimate results of the test program revealed overall benefits on children's diets with students in grades 8 and 10 increasing their consumption of fruit during the school year, vegetable consumption did not increase.
“The results of this evaluation suggest that the distribution of fresh fruit at school free of charge to secondary school students might be an effective component of a comprehensive approach for improving student dietary behaviors; however, distribution of fresh vegetables might be more affective with changes in program implementation. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this type of program among youth,” concluded the report.