Eating my Colourful Vegies and Fruit: An Avocado Sampler of Sensory Food Learning Experiences for 3 to 5 Year Olds

Abstract

Eating habits are established early in life, so the food experiences and menus offered in early childhood settings can be influential in laying the foundation for children's lifelong healthy relationship with food. Research suggests that 70% of our food preferences are established by age 3. Therefore, developing a preference for a wider variety of foods at an early age, particularly vegetables and fruit, can positively influence children's long-term health and their nutritional status. By working together, early childhood staff and families can guide and encourage children's food preferences in positive ways. This includes repeated exposure to vegies and fruit in calm positive settings, as well as helping them to appreciate that food preferences change and that we can learn to like a new food. Through sensory food exploration, investigation and preparation, the five food learning experiences in this 'Eating my colourful vegies and fruit' kit support children's language development, food literacy and wellbeing.