"it's Good, It's Delicious, It's Great": Cognitions, Barriers, and Supports for Fruit and Vegetable Intake of Parents and School-Aged Children

Abstract

Fruit and vegetable (F/V)-related cognitions of parents (n = 36) and children (aged 6-11 years; n = 41) were investigated via focus groups. Participants regarded F/Vs as important for health. Parents identified busy schedules, picky eating, and cost as F/V intake barriers. To overcome barriers, parents suggested scheduling time for F/V preparation and using time-saving forms of F/Vs and involving children in F/V selection/preparation. Kids identified disliking F/Vs as a barrier, recommending parents stock a variety of F/Vs and encourage kids to eat them. Considering F/V cognitions during intervention development may improve intervention effectiveness.