Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of a "Fun Fruit and Veggie Event" on the acceptance of fruits and vegetables, using mean differences between pre- and postsurveys, in school-aged children from 15 schools in South Dakota: kindergarten to 4th grade (K-4, n = 787) and 5th to 12th grades (5-12, n = 310). The event had a positive impact on fruit and vegetable acceptance, knowledge, action steps to incorporate fruits and vegetables into the diet, and consumption. The K-4 students increased acceptance for 3 of the 6 vegetables and showed no change in fruit acceptance. The 5-12 students increased acceptance for 17 of the 31 vegetables and 13 of the 22 fruits, had significant improvement in basic knowledge of fruits and vegetables (P < .001), willingness to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into the diet in 3 of 12 scenarios, and increased consumption of 100% fruit juice (P < .001) and fruits (P < .0001). Teacher surveys indicated that students had a greater awareness of fruits and vegetables. School-based interventions that include fruits and vegetables in a fun and exciting manner enhance knowledge and self-reported acceptance of fruits and vegetables in children.