Home food environment factors associated with the presence of fruit and vegetables at dinner: A direct observational study

Abstract

Background Little research exists about the factors influencing the foods available at family meals. This study examines the home food environment factors contributing to the presence of fruit and vegetables at family meals. Methods Home food inventory (HFI) and survey data were collected from low-income, minority families (n=120) with children 6-12 years old. Observations from video-recorded family dinner meals, totaling 800 videos, were used to measure the frequency at which fruit and vegetables were served. Multiple regression was used to investigate how the fruit and vegetables in the HFI and other home food environment factors were related to the number of days fruit and vegetables were served at dinner during the observation period. Results Availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables in the home were each found to be significantly associated with the presence of fruits and vegetables at family dinners. Of the fruit and vegetable categories (i.e., fresh, canned, or frozen), having fresh fruit and vegetables available in the home was found to be most strongly associated with serving fruit and vegetables at dinner, respectively. Higher parent intake of vegetables was associated with the presence of vegetables at dinners, and parent meal planning was associated with the presence of fruit at dinners. Conclusions Increasing the availability and accessibility of fresh fruit and vegetables in the home may be an effective approach to increasing the presence of fruits and vegetables at family dinners, especially among low-income, minority households. It is also essential to understand why families are not using all fruits and vegetables (e.g., canned and frozen) available in the home for family meals. Family meals are a place to promote the increased presence of both fruit and vegetables.

No Time for Family Meals? Parenting Practices Associated with Adolescent Fruit and Vegetable Intake When Family Meals Are Not an Option

“…have FV available). 31 To determine how changes in family meals and other parenting practices influence adolescent FV intake, the relative importance of family meals and other FV-related parenting practices needs to be further tested in longitudinal and intervention studies. Additional research is also needed that identifies how health professionals and others who work with parents and families can best support parents to adopt healthful parenting practices.…”

What’s Being Served for Dinner? An Exploratory Investigation of the Associations between the Healthfulness of Family Meals and Child Dietary Intake

“…Comprehensive study procedures, including demographic information, have been previously documented. 23,27 …”

An Experiential Cooking and Nutrition Education Program Increases Cooking Self-Efficacy and Vegetable Consumption in Children in Grades 3–8

“…11 The home food environment, as measured by the availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables, predicts the diet quality of children. [12][13][14] Parents can have a strong positive influence on their child's eating habits by making fruits and vegetables available, modeling consumption, and voicing support for healthy behaviors. 15 Children also contribute to the healthy home environment by requesting fruits and vegetables in the home, grocery shopping with parents, and asking to have their favorite fruits and vegetables within reach.…”