The Impact of New Foods Initiative for Picky Eaters at the

Elementary Age Level

Jessica Wittenauer- Track 2 Distance Dietetic Intern
Illinois State University

Background Results
Many parents and caretakers struggle to encourage children to try new foods, especially fruits and Jicama Star Fruit
vegetables. The increasing number of picky eaters among elementary aged children often causes long 35 50

30 45
lasting gaps in their nutrition and overall growth. A reduction in variety and intake of nutrient dense
40
foods can often lead to macro nutrient and micronutrient deficiencies throughout a child’s life. At 25
35
20 30
Blevins Elementary School (BES), children are hesitant to try foreign foods or foods that are prepared
25
differently than at home. Different cooking methods, cutting techniques, and overall familiarity with 15
20

foods caused children to dismiss foreign fruits and vegetable offered at lunch. Additionally, foods 10 15
10
offered through the National School Lunch Program were being wasted or not eaten by children. 5
5
0 0
Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 5th Grade Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 5th grade

Problem & Purpose Liked Disliked Did Not Try Liked Disliked Did Not Try

• Of the 267 students who were exposed to the jicama during week one, 65% tried the new vegetable and 35% did not try the vegetable

The objective of this outcome study is to increase elementary aged children's aptitude to try • Of the 267 students who were exposed to the starfruit during week two, 74% tried the new fruit and 26% did not try the fruit

new fruits and vegetables using taste, familiarity, and different preparation methods and • 2nd , 3rd, and 5th graders liked the jicama the most; Kindergarten and 1st graders were the least likely to try jicama

techniques. By presenting a new fruit or vegetable in different ways, a child may be more • Kindergarten and 1st grade: More inclined to pick plain vs seasoned version; Appearance was important; Family influence

inclined to try it and expand their variety of fruits and vegetables. • 2nd and 3rd grade: Peer influence, relate taste to familiar foods
• 5th Grade: Taste was important, able to think about combination foods, interested in education of fruit/vegetable

Methods
This outcome study was conducted at the BES cafeteria over a 2-week period in November
2020. A total of 267 students from Kindergarten, 1st , 2nd , 3rd, and 5th grade were the subjects
of this study. Two versions of Jicama, an unfamiliar vegetable, were prepared for the children to
try during the first week. Two versions of starfruit, an unfamiliar fruit, were prepared during
week 2. Both versions of the vegetable/fruit were presented to the children during lunchtime.
The number of students that tried the unfamiliar vegetable/fruit were recorded. At the end of
each lunch period, the children were asked to raise their hands if they tried the new food and
reported a ‘smiley/sad face’. Distinctive language or observations for each grade were noted
while performing the study for similarities.
Discussion/Conclusion
Through the study, the children at BES were exposed to different fruits and vegetables.
Children were more likely to try the new food during week 2 after first exposure. In a
cognitive model developed by Jean Piaget, children aged 4-7 (preoperational stage) are
primarily motivated by appearance and texture. Children aged 8-10 (conditional stage) are
driven by taste and peer influence in choosing foods. Children aged 11-12 years (formal
operative stage) prefer taste and visualize combination foods. Exposing children at the
elementary age creates lasting healthy relationships with foods and better overall intake of
Both plain jicama and jicama
fruits and vegetables.
seasoned with Tajin were presented to
each class during lunch in the References
Taylor, C. M., & Emmett, P. M. (2018). Picky eating in children: Causes and consequences. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 78(02), 161-169.
cafeteria doi:10.1017/s0029665118002586
Zeinstra, G. G., Koelen, M. A., Kok, F. J., & Graaf, C. D. (2007). Cognitive development and children's perceptions of fruit and vegetables; a qualitative study.
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 4(1), 30. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-4-30
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