A diet with plenty of fruits and vegetable is an important key to maintaining healthy weight. Because young children tend to be reluctant to try new things, they are more likely to try healthful foods that are familiar.

Many parents have endured dinnertime battles over trying “just one bite” of a new vegetable. Children can get to know new foods in more ways than tasting them. The nutrition and early childhood education faculties at Keene State College have collaborated to develop a seed-to-table nutrition and gardening program for the preschool years.

Vegetable exploration
Each week children in the Early Sprouts program learn about a new vegetable. When possible they start this experience in the garden when they plant, cultivate and harvest their vegetables. All senses are engaged: watching, picking, handling, shaking, smelling, and listening are followed by preparing and tasting the vegetables. Families receive a take-home prep kit every week with recipes and ingredients so the food preparation and tasting is reinforced at home.

Impressive results
Initial results from the pilot project held in 2007 at Keene State College Child Development Center showed that (1) children’s preferences for the tested vegetables increased, and (2) their eating habits improved at home. See graph [internal link back to graph]. The program has expanded this year to include more childcare centers, including Head Start classrooms. Read more about the Early Sprouts Garden Project, including responses from families and children.


Percent of children who liked vegetables before, during and after Early Sprouts


Learn more
Teaching children about gardening and food is one reason to start a backyard garden. Here are 10 more.

UNH Cooperative Extension home gardening fact sheets

UNH Cooperative Extension’s Family, Home & Garden Education Center

More ideas and recipes to encourage children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Prevent food fights

Kids in the Kitchen has lists of age appropriate cooking activities

Winter fruits and vegetables Eat fruits and vegetables daily, year 'round. 

Growing a Green Generation: Gardening activities for preschool and kindergarten classes.