Research
Most kids in the United States fall short on eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, fruits and vegetables play a vital role in promoting healthy growth during childhood and reducing the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is designed to support children in meeting their nutritional needs and cultivating lifelong healthy eating habits. Our research has found that The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is having a meaningful impact on diet, food security, and health outcomes for Flint children.
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is improving dietary patterns.
Our research has found that fruit and vegetable prescriptions help children to consume more daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, fruit and vegetable prescriptions encourage families to shop at the local farmers’ market , promote family bonding while food shopping, and give children agency to select their own foods.
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is improving food security.
After receiving fruit and vegetable prescriptions, our research has found that both child and household food security improves (more research here). Families also share that, with the cost of fruits and vegetables covered by prescriptions, they have more financial flexibility to purchase other foods or necessities for their children.
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is improving health outcomes.
Our research has found that children who receive fruit and vegetable prescriptions have healthier blood pressure compared to children who do not receive prescriptions. In addition, children in the program report higher levels of physical activity, suggesting that receiving prescriptions may encourage other healthy behaviors.
Flint Kids Cook Program Findings
Flint Kids Cook is designed to introduce children to a variety of culinary techniques, healthy foods, and nutrition education to guide them in preparing and eating nutritious food. Our research has found that Flint Kids Cook is improving cooking skills, nutrition knowledge, healthy food acceptance, and quality of life for Flint children.
Flint Kids Cook is improving cooking skills.
After learning different culinary skills from a professional chef, children who participate in Flint Kids Cook report improved cooking skills (more research here, here, and here) and have a greater desire to cook (more research here and here).
Flint Kids Cook is improving nutrition knowledge.
Our research has found that children have better knowledge of nutrition (more research here) after learning from a registered dietitian in Flint Kids Cook.
Flint Kids Cook is improving healthy food acceptance.
After cooking and tasting new foods, Flint Kids Cook participants are more accepting of healthy foods and have improved self-efficacy to consumes fruits and vegetables.
Flint Kids Cook is improving quality of life.
Our research has found that children have improved health-related quality of life, including physical health, emotional health, and social health, after completing Flint Kids Cook.
Flint Families Cook is improving family connectedness.
Our virtual, family-based cooking class provides families with a weekly activity to connect and spend quality time together (more research here).
