September 25, 2006 – Offer fruit to children and adolescents and they will eat it. Unfortunately, this simple “strategy” would not work with vegetables.
This is what emerges from the first findings from a program1 implemented in 25 elementary and secondary schools in Mississippi, United States. This program aimed to assess whether a free distribution of fruits and vegetables to students would influence their consumption. He also wanted to know if this availability would encourage young people to taste new fruits and vegetables.
According to data collected from 851 students, fruit consumption increased by just over half a serving per day between the start and end of the 2004-2005 school year. a significant improvement from a public health point of view, according to the researchers.
Although only fruit consumption increased, it was found that 13-year-olds and 15-year-olds developed an interest not only in fruits, but also in vegetables. They also showed curiosity about variety. However, only 15-year-old students showed a desire to eat more apples, oranges and other fruits in the future.
Vegetables are not popular
Vegetables have not been as successful as fruits. Their consumption remained stable from the start to the end of the school year among 15-year-olds. It even regressed within the 10-year-old and 13-year-old groups.
Among 10-year-old schoolchildren, there was even a loss of interest in trying new fruits and vegetables.
These results would be consistent with the conclusions of other studies examining the interest of young people of the same age in vegetables. Young people are more inclined towards sugary and high-calorie foods, especially from puberty.
According to the initiators of the program, the increased consumption of fruit had the effect of increasing dietary intake of vitamin C and fiber in all students. However, they argue that it will be necessary to rethink the way of presenting vegetables so that young people eat more of them.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters.
1. Schneider DJ, May G, et al., Evaluation of a Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Program – Mississippi, 2004-05 School Year, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 8, 2006, Vol. 55, No. 35, 957-961. The document is available at www.cdc.gov [consulté le 21 septembre 2006].
