Date Available

12-15-2022

Year of Publication

2022

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems (MSNFS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Dietetics and Human Nutrition

First Advisor

Dr. Tammy Stephenson

Abstract

Background: Previous research shows that there is low consumption of fruits and vegetables in children and adolescents, specifically those residing in the state of Kentucky which is ranked the lowest of all states in fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption. The lack of F/V in a diet of someone during their developmental ages can result in negative health outcomes in the future.

Objective: To determine if the use of a farmers’ market incentive program as a nutritional intervention affects the consumption of F/V in children and adolescents.

Methods: 261 children and adolescents, ages 3-14, from 160 families participated in a 10-week long program POP Club, where they completed a different interactive activity each week at the Lexington Farmers’ Market. Results: Survey results found an increase in meals prepared together as a family after participation in POP Club. There was no difference in reported F/V consumption pre- and post-intervention and no difference in reported F/V intake before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a nutrition intervention at the Farmers’ Market can impact meal preparation and increase time spent as a family preparing meals, but more research is needed to determine impact on F/V intake.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2022.414

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