Global dietary recommendations emphasize the importance of vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet. Numerous campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives have been conducted to improve consumption levels, particularly among children. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to achieve significant and sustainable increases, especially in younger groups. Recently, a groundbreaking study has combined a review of the literature with a concrete translation of knowledge into guidelines for the design of effective interventions. This work identifies seven key points that should be integrated into interventions aimed at increasing vegetable consumption in children. The study has also resulted in the production of an online toolbox designed for all stakeholders.
Vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet, and their consumption is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases (WHO, 2019). Unfortunately, vegetables consumption remains far below recommended levels in a significant proportion of the population, particularly children.
Thus, improving dietary quality, through sufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables, remains a public health priority (WHO, 2020). Despite the existing consensus on the importance of increasing vegetable consumption, translating these nutritional recommendations into concrete, practical messages for consumers remains challenging (Civic creative, 2015; Rekhy et al., 2014).
To address this issue, an Australian study (Hendrie et al., 2024) reviewed the current state of art and then translated the key success factors identified into guidelines for increasing vegetable consumption among children.
An innovative methodology to translate science into practice
This study’s originality lies in its two-stage methodology:
- A systematic review of the literature was used to identify the characteristics of interventions associated with a significant increase in vegetable consumption among children.
- These scientific findings were translated into guidelines for best practice, with the involvement of field representatives.
A total of 15 interventions involving healthy children aged 2 to 12 were included in this study. Most of the studies were carried out in the United States, in Europe and Australia, over periods ranging from 3 to 18 months. Ten of the studies were conducted in community settings (mainly families) and five in schools. Most of the studies examined involved both parents and children; two also included teachers.
Finally, three types of objectives were targeted by these interventions:
- Increase vegetable consumption,
- Increase combined fruit and vegetable consumption,
- Improve overall diet and lifestyle quality.
The interventions considered effective increased vegetable consumption by an average of 30% at the end of the follow-up period (Grassi et al., 2016; Kaufman-Shriqui et al., 2016; Martinez-Andrade et al., 2014; Taghdisi et al., 2016; Wolfenden et al., 2014). Based on the current consumption of Australian children, this increase equals around half a serving more per day.
Identify common characteristics among effective interventions
According to this work, interventions that increase vegetable consumption among children share several characteristics. The most effective interventions are those that provide:
- Clear and consistent messages,
- And were directed at multiple populations: parents/children or parents, children and teachers.
The effectiveness of these messages is even greater when they are delivered consistently in several settings – at home and at school, for example. Finally, targeted messages on vegetable or fruit and vegetable consumption are more effective than generic lifestyle messages.
Regarding practical intervention methods, two favorable aspects stand out: an intervention duration of 6 to 12 weeks, and frequent contact with participants. Finally, increased vegetable consumption was also associated with the use of social opportunity techniques, making the child’s environment favorable to change (Cox et al., 2023).
Content-wise, all interventions examined, regardless of their effectiveness, targeted psychological skills and used education to improve knowledge and understanding of the benefits of vegetable consumption. Thus, the authors conclude that multi-public, multi-framework interventions are needed to significantly increase vegetable consumption among children.
A toolkit for stakeholders to encourage vegetable consumption among children
Based on the key elements of effectiveness identified through the review, the authors have formalized guidelines gathering best practices for increasing vegetable consumption among children. The seven guidelines identified (see figure 1 below) can be integrated into existing programs or used to design new initiatives.
A range of resources and practical tools was also designed on this basis, aimed at stakeholders in the field: early childhood professionals, teachers, healthcare professionals and economic actors. As a final step in this process, the authors consulted and involved stakeholders to understand their needs and field realities. These resources are available for free at https://www.vegkit.com.au/.
Translating scientific knowledge into concrete practice is not traditionally part of the research process. This study is singular and noteworthy. The authors invite other scientists to seize this methodology and apply it to other issues or sectors.
