African American Fruit and Vegetable Garden Project: An Intervention to Promote Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Incarcerated Juvenile Males

Abstract

This study set out to identify a means to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables for incarcerated African American juvenile males through an educa­ tional program that focused on planting a garden. Surveys were administered to 125 incarcerated African American juveniles males aged 15 to 17. The program consisted of 39 sessions of 75 minutes each, twice a week for 15 weeks. Sessions focused on fruit and vegetable consumption, gardening, and nutritional knowl­ edge. Prior to the workshops, none of the participants identified fruit and veg­ etable consumption, gardening and nutritional  knowledge. After the workshops, all had increased their nutritional knowledge. Half stated that their fruit and veg­ etable consumption had increased because of gardening at the correctional facility. Participants also expressed an interest in learning more about gardening. The study concludes that health professionals can educate African American juvenile males about gardening and nutrition to help overcome barriers to fruit  and vegetable consumption.