The influence of play fruits and vegetables on fruit and vegetable intake among toddlers

Research indicates that lifelong food habits have their roots in early childhood, thus early environment is thought to play a critical role in lifelong health. In this pilot study, toddlers (n=19) enrolled in a university‐based child care program were recruited and their fruit and vegetable intake monitored. Fruit and vegetable consumption was measured both at baseline and post‐intervention. The intervention consisted of incorporating play fruits and vegetables into fun, hands‐on activities to familiarize children with the foods via song, color identification, and tasting over a three‐week period. Additionally, a survey was administered to parents to assess influencing factors in the home environment. Survey results show that vegetables most frequently consumed by the subjects outside of child care were French fries, corn, and carrots and that toddler fruit and vegetable preferences paralleled maternal preferences. Results of the intervention indicate children requested more servings of fruits and vegetables post‐intervention as compared to baseline ( p <.05). This suggests that interactive play with play fruits and vegetables may increase fruit and vegetable intake among toddlers and this has great implications for the role of the food‐related play environment in the development of healthy eating habits. Support provided by Small World Toys, Inc., and the University of Tennessee .