Is the environment in kindergarten associated with the vegetables served and eaten? The BRA Study

Low intake of vegetables is associated with poor public health and the development of obesity and disorders such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. It is important to have good eating habits from an early age, and Norwegian kindergartens have a responsibility to contribute to this. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between economic, political, sociocultural and physical environmental factors in kindergartens and the frequency and variety of served vegetables and the amount of vegetables consumed among kindergarten children.

In kindergartens where parents paid a monthly food and drink fee of NOK 251 or more, a greater amount of vegetables was served. The amount of vegetables consumed was also higher in kindergartens where employees paid a monthly fee to be able to get and eat food at work. Furthermore, it was reported that a greater amount of vegetables was eaten in kindergartens that had written guidelines relating to the food and drink offered.

The study collected data through a paper-based survey answered by the pedagogical leaders in 115 kindergarten departments, a paper-based survey answered by kindergarten coordinators in 69 kindergarten departments and a five-day vegetable diary filled out by staff in 122 kindergarten departments. All the kindergartens in the sample were located in the counties of Vestfold and Buskerud, Norway. The investigation addressed environmental factors and the frequency and variety of serving vegetables in kindergartens. The children who participated in the study were between the ages of 3 and 5 when the study started.

Himberg-Sundet, A., Kristiansen, A. L., Bjelland, M., Moser, T., Holthe, A., Andersen, L. F. & Lien, N. (2019). "Is the environment in kindergarten associated with the vegetables served and eaten? The BRA Study". Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 47(5):538-547.