Designing a website to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among year 3 children

Abstract

The importance of fruit and vegetable consumption is recognised globally. This study was an attempt to use original ICT and print material to help Maltese children eat more fruits and vegetables, and to help parents/caregivers to encourage their children to eat more of these foods. A needs assessment was carried out through interviews with children and parents/caregivers. Results suggested that the majority of children did not eat the minimum amount of fruits and vegetables recommended in order to stay healthy. Also, although parents were aware of the benefits that fruits and vegetables provided, they still needed help in encouraging their children to eat these foods. Based on the findings of these interviews a website was constructed with the specific goal of promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among young children. The website developed in Maltese and English, was divided into a Children's and Parents/caregivers' section. The Children's section included, basic nutrition information, facts about fruits and vegetables, information regarding serving sizes, educational activities, recipes and links to other sites. The Parents/Caregivers' section included more detailed nutrition information and facts about fruits and vegetables, tips to encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables, recipes and links to other sites. A booklet was designed with similar contents to the Parents/caregivers' section for those parents/caregivers who did not have internet access. Trialling of the website and booklet was conducted with children and parents/caregivers and feedback was mainly positive. This project shows that when using well-designed creative resources, promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables may be facilitated.