Determining the motivation of childcare providers to implement instructional gardens as a means of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among children ages 2 to 5

摘要: The issue of childhood obesity has been gaining an increasing amount attention in recent decades due to sharp rises prevalence. Efforts encourage fruit and vegetable consumption among children through the use gardening activities have become increasingly popular strategy. Limited data currently exists, however, on using programs with preschool age childcare settings. Using these types may be effective exposure access fruits vegetables for young therefore a useful strategy preventing obesity. This study sought determine motivations providers implement instructional gardens. Qualitative interviews (n=20) were completed order gain information perceived benefits barriers implementing including challenges experienced current resources that would helpful make future more successful. Providers family day care, group care centers, Head Start interviewed. Benefits settings included nutrition related such as increased willingness try knowledge regarding food where it comes from. Nonnutrition also discussed gardens multidisciplinary tool teaching, encouraging connection natural environment fostering sense accomplishment responsibility children. Main implementation or continuation lack financial supplies, adequate training, community volunteer support, curriculum resources. Further research should address ways which overcome by motivated continue programs. DETERMINING THE MOTIVATION OF CHILDCARE PROVIDERS TO IMPLEMENT INSTRUCTIONAL GARDENS AS A MEANS INCREASING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG CHILDREN AGES 2 5 Kristen L. Davis Department Public Health, Food Studies Nutrition David B. Falk College Sport Human Dynamics Syracuse University Master’s Thesis