Nutrition education program to improve food literacy in preschoolers
Official title: Increasing Food Literacy as a Means of Increasing Preschool Children's Food Acceptance and Reducing Obesity Risk
Run by Penn State University · NCT05977348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a nutrition education program to see if it helps preschoolers learn about healthy foods and accept them better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 770 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 3, 2023 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05977348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are preschool children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in participating childcare centers.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown that nutrition education can positively influence children's food preferences and eating behaviors, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.