Expanding Children's Food Experiences: The Impact of a School-Based Kitchen Garden Program

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate achievement of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program in increasing child appreciation of diverse, healthy foods. Design: Comparative 2-year study. Setting: Six program and 6 comparison primary schools in rural and metropolitan Victoria, Australia, matched for socioeconomic status and size. Participants: A total of 764 children in grades 3 to 6 (8-12 years of age) and 562 parents recruited. Retention rates at follow-up included 85% children and 75% parents. Intervention: Each week of the school year, children spent 45 to 60 minutes in a garden class and 90 minutes in a kitchen class. Phenomenon of interest: Program impact on children's willingness to try new foods..