Increasing children's fruit and vegetable consumption: a peer-modelling and rewards-based intervention

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Childhood consumption of fruits and vegetables remains suboptimal.
• Effective strategies are needed to promote healthy eating habits in children.
• Peer influence and positive reinforcement are potential tools for dietary change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a peer-modelling and rewards-based intervention.
• To increase fruit and vegetable consumption among primary school children.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact over a 5-month period.

Main Methods:

• A 5-month intervention involving peer modelling (Food Dudes) and rewards.
• Experimental and control groups in two London primary schools.
• Consumption measured via observation, weighing, and parental recall at baseline, during, and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Substantial increases in fruit and vegetable consumption at lunchtime and snacktime in the experimental group.
• Significant positive effects observed at 4-month follow-up.
• Consumption also increased at home, particularly among children with initially low intake.

Conclusions:

• The peer-modelling and rewards intervention effectively increased children's fruit and vegetable intake.
• The strategy shows promise for improving dietary patterns in school-aged children.
• Positive behavioral changes were sustained post-intervention.