Tomato Cultivation in a Kindergarten: Influence of a Vegetable Growing Activity on Picky Eating Habits among Preschoolers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a vegetable growing activity in a kindergarten in improving picky eating habits among preschoolers. Methods: This 10-month longitudinal study was conducted in five kindergartens in Hokkaido. Three kindergartens participated in the vegetable growing activity (241 preschoolers; experimental group), while two did not (138 preschoolers; control group). Tomatoes were cultivated. The preschoolers' mothers provided ratings on a questionnaire before cultivation, after harvesting and six months after harvesting (follow-up). The main outcome investigated was picky eating habits; secondary outcomes were preference for tomato and interest in food and eating. In each group, changes in the answers to these questions were observed, and between-group comparisons were performed on the percentage of preschoolers who had improved picky eating habits. Results: In the experimental group, the percentage of picky eaters decreased significantly after harvesting and follow-up. However, in the control group, the percentage of picky eaters did not change significantly. After harvesting and follow-up, the percentage of preschoolers in the experimental group whose picky eating habits had improved was significantly higher than that of preschoolers in the control group. Furthermore, in the experimental group, the percentage of preschoolers who liked tomatoes, who talked to their mothers happily about vegetables, and who expressed regret for wasting food increased significantly after harvesting or follow-up. However, in the control group, these percentages did not change significantly. Conclusion: Activities involving growing vegetables such as tomatoes in kindergartens may be beneficial for preschoolers with picky eating habits.