Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a farm to school program on urban, elementary-aged children. METHODS: A classroom of students receiving a farm to school intervention was compared to a control classroom at the same school. Pre-and post-surveys measured knowledge, attitudes, and consumption of fruits and vegetables in both groups. Dietary recalls measured consumption of fruits and vegetables post-intervention. Rich pictures captured children's mental model of food post intervention. RESULTS: The rich pictures of farm to school students were more likely to include fruits and vegetables (OR = 7.2; 95% CI = 1.66,31.26) and imagery of the natural environment (insignificant) compared to the control group. Their overall mental models of food were significantly healthier (p < .01). No students in either group (n = 41) ate the USDA recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Farm to school programs influence children's mental model of food and may give students a more robust understanding of where food comes from.