Vegetable Education Program Positively Affects Factors Associated With Vegetable Consumption Among Australian Primary (Elementary) Schoolchildren

ABSTRACT Objective To measure the effectiveness of a new sensory education program for Australian primary (elementary) schoolchildren (Vegetable Education Resource to Increase Children's Acceptance and Liking [VERTICAL]) designed to increase vegetable enjoyment and positively predispose to vegetable consumption. Methods Pretest and posttest (collected 2 weeks after intervention) survey data (n = 299) on cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral factors associated with vegetable consumption were compared between the intervention (which followed VERTICAL, a program consisting of five 1-hour teacher-led interventions) and control students (aged 8–12 years) from Sydney primary schools. Results The VERTICAL intervention increased knowledge about vegetables and the senses ( P  = .002), the ability to verbalize sensations ( P P  = .007), and willingness to try vegetables ( P  = .05). Middle primary students gained more positive attitudes toward vegetable consumption ( P  = .009). Moreover, VERTICAL had no effect on food neophobia, perceived norms of teacher and peers, emotions, behavioral intentions, and vegetables tried. Conclusions and Implications Behavioral change was achieved through VERTICAL in a short intervention, supporting further development and validation.