| Summary: | Specialization: Nutrition & Metabolism Degree: Master of Science Abstract: Excess weight has a strong impact on First Nations children’s health. Adequate vegetable and fruit consumption is one way to potentially prevent children from having excess weight. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 7-month school gardening and a 4-month healthy snack program on First Nations children’s knowledge and attitudes about vegetables and fruit, and their consumption of these foods at home. Anthropometric measures were taken to determine weight status. Caregiver’s food choices were documented. Children in this study (n=76) significantly increased their overall vegetable and fruit attitude score from baseline. Children liked foods that were familiar, which were those frequently consumed at home. Of the 60 children for whom we had anthropometric data, overweight/obesity (60%) and abdominal obesity (28.3%) were high. Caregivers’ diets indicated an integration of traditional and Western foods. Future garden-based interventions should ensure family participation to promote healthy eating behaviours in Aboriginal children.
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