The purpose of this research study was to explore the effects of increasing access to fresh produce to children’s diets. The Study consists of a quantitative research method which included height, weight, BMI measurements, and diet recalls at the start and completion of the garden program. Research participants included 5 children ages 7 to 12 who engaged in a summer garden program at their subsidized housing complex for 12 weekly sessions. 60% of the participants were female and 40% of the participants were male. Throughout 12 weekly sessions of the garden program participants height, weight, BMI, and diet recalls at the start and completion of the program were taken. The recalls were uploaded to NDSR software and nutrient reports were completed. Major findings include an increase in important nutrients and minerals in the children’s diets such as fiber especially insoluble fiber, vegetable protein, carotenoids, folate, minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, and magnesium, and vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. As well as a reduction in saturated fatty acids and added sugar consumption.The 12 session children garden program increased the accessibility of fresh produce to children directly which aided in increasing important nutrient consumption. The comparison of diets and nutrient intake further emphasizes the importance of fresh fruit and vegetable accessibility in developing adolescent diets. Dietetics emphasis on nutrient intake, especially for children, is not only important but necessary in its efforts to make fresh produce more available across varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Author: Audrey M. Bailey, Casey R. Heindl, Drew Asencio
Faculty Advisor: M. Elizabeth Miller, PhD, RD, LD, Department of Kinesiology and Health
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