Nutrition education program to improve food literacy in preschoolers
Increasing Food Literacy as a Means of Increasing Preschool Children's Food Acceptance and Reducing Obesity Risk
This study tests a nutrition education program to see if it helps preschoolers learn about healthy foods and accept them better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 770 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05977348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of a nutrition education program on preschool children's food literacy and acceptance of healthy foods. The study will involve 450 children aged 3 to 5 years from childcare programs in Pennsylvania, focusing on those from families eligible for SNAP. Participants will receive lessons on fruits and vegetables, nutrition knowledge, and healthy eating, with some classrooms also incorporating parent education. The effectiveness of the program will be assessed over a 14-month period, comparing outcomes between intervention and control groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preschool children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in participating childcare centers.
Not a fit: Children with severe food allergies, developmental disabilities affecting food intake, or those not regularly present during intervention lessons may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance preschoolers' food literacy and promote healthier eating habits, potentially reducing obesity risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that nutrition education can positively influence children's food preferences and eating behaviors, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Preschool children enrolled in participating centers Exclusion Criteria: * Severe food allergies that prevent children from consuming project foods * Presence of a developmental or sensory disability that affects food intake and/or learning * Lack of English fluency (children and caregivers) * Children not regularly present during days/times that intervention lessons are delivered * Parents who are not involved in feeding/preparing meals for children at least 50% of the time
Where this trial is running
University Park, Pennsylvania
- The Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lori A Francis, Ph.D. — Penn State University; Professor
- Study coordinator: Lori A Francis, Ph.D.
- Email: lfrancis@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-863-0213
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.