Recruiting

Teaching Preschoolers About Fruits and Vegetables to Prevent Obesity

Plain-English translation of NCT05977348 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether teaching preschool children about fruits and vegetables—where they grow, what they look like, and why they're healthy—can help kids learn to like and choose these foods. The program includes classroom lessons for children, training materials for teachers, and online resources for parents. The researchers want to see if this approach can reduce the risk of childhood obesity by building better eating habits early on.

Many young children refuse to eat fruits and vegetables, which increases their risk of obesity and poor nutrition. Research shows that repeated exposure to new foods and learning about them can help children accept healthier foods, but we need to test whether structured programs in preschools and homes can actually make this work in real life.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

your child is enrolled in a participating preschool or childcare center in Pennsylvania
your child is between 3 and 5 years old
you are involved in feeding or preparing meals for your child at least half the time
your child and family speak English

You likely don't qualify if…

your child has severe food allergies that prevent eating the foods being taught in the program
your child has a developmental or sensory disability that affects eating or learning
your child does not regularly attend preschool on the days and times the lessons are offered
you are not able to participate in parenting resources or support your child's learning at home

What participation looks like

Your child's classroom will participate in a 14-month program that includes weekly lessons introducing fruits and vegetables through the 'Eating the Alphabet' curriculum. Some classrooms will receive additional lessons on healthy eating, plus classroom materials and teacher training. You will have access to online parent resources like recipe sheets and tips for encouraging healthy eating at home. The researchers will measure your child's knowledge and food choices, as well as family eating habits, at the beginning, during, and at the end of the study.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania