Long lasting benefits for students participating in school-based gardening and food programs

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behaviour found food education programs including gardening and cooking lessons increased the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the participants. This early learning intervention was also found to positively influence food decisions in the children as they grew.

The research was based on information from FRESHFARM Foodprints, a food education program, implemented in more than 20 elementary schools in urban areas in the eastern United States. The program integrates gardening, nutrition education, preparing and cooking local healthy whole foods. The program’s first school partnership was established nearly 15 years ago and the oldest alumni students are now young adults. A network of alumni students has been established allowing researchers to see how the program has influenced the food and nutrition choices of the students as they grow.