Nutrition education intervention among participants of the Older Americans Nutrition Program positively affects knowledge and behavior

Little research has been conducted on fruit and vegetable consumption among older adults. Past studies of participants in the Northeast Georgia Older Americans Nutrition Program (OANP) showed that only about 35% consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. An educational intervention (11 sessions/7 months) designed to increase intakes of infrequently consumed fruits and vegetables was developed, delivered and tested among senior center participants of OANP in Georgia. Seventy‐three participants completed pre‐ and post‐testing (mean age = 76.4 ± 1.1 years; 89% female; 58% African American), including a food frequency questionnaire. Lack of knowledge about fruit and vegetable intake recommendations (79%) and insufficient income (41%) were the most frequently cited barriers to consumption. After the intervention, more participants were knowledgeable of the “Five or more‐a‐day” recommendations (36% vs 21%, P<0.04), and the relationships between fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of cancer (82% vs 67%, p=0.04) and heart disease (82% vs. 69%, P=0.05). Mean intakes of melon increased (P<0.003), and non‐citrus juices, peaches, nectarines, or apricots, and total fruit intake tended to increase (P<0.08). Mean intake of total targeted fruits and vegetables increased from 21.8 to 24.2 servings/week (P<0.12). In contrast, mean intake of leafy green vegetables decreased slightly (P<0.02). Overall, this educational intervention resulted in a small but positive effect on behavior and knowledge among senior center participants of OANP. Funding NE GA‐AAA, GA‐AES