(OR11-03-26) Supporting Toddler Vegetable Intake: Caregiver Perspectives on a Multicomponent Intervention for Low-Income Families

Objectives: Vegetable intake among U.S. toddlers remains below recommended levels with caregivers reporting cost, time, accessibility, and child acceptability as barriers to offering vegetables consistently. This study explored caregiver perceptions of a newly developed multicomponent nutrition program designed to increase vegetable intake among toddlers from families with low income.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study explored caregiver experiences with a multicomponent vegetable intervention among low-income families with toddlers. The ten-weekly intervention was guided by a socio-ecological framework to create a sustainable and effective nutrition program by addressing intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional factors. Families with toddlers (18-40 months) were recruited from two Early Head Start centers in the South Plains. A sensory-evaluated, vegetable-focused toddler recipe compilation (n=22) was distributed via a free private social media app, along with a food box containing recipe ingredients ($150 value). Mid-intervention, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore perceived dietary and behavioral changes and program experiences. Transcripts were analyzed using an iterative inductive thematic analysis by three trained researchers until consensus.

Results: Forty-two families participated, and 35 caregivers completed interviews. Four themes were identified: (1) Child Engagement (intrapersonal); (2) Parental Influence on Child’s Eating Choices (interpersonal); (3) Increased Family Nutrition Knowledge and Mealtime Interactions (interpersonal); (4) Barriers to Progress (institutional). Caregivers reported increased child involvement in cooking, greater awareness of new fruits, vegetables, and cooking techniques, family members acting as role models at meals, and difficulty maintaining healthier habits with busy schedules.

Conclusions: This multicomponent intervention was well accepted among caregivers of toddlers from families with low income. Providing vegetable-focused recipes, food boxes, and digital community support may increase caregiver engagement and toddler vegetable intake.

Funding Sources: This study has received funding from the College of Health and Human Sciences at Texas Tech University.