Conference presentation
"Fruit Salad; Yummy, Yummy". Food choice in young children: The influence of The Wiggles
2009 University Research Conference Program Book, p.12
USC Research Conference, 2009 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Nov-2009)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2009
Abstract
The aim of this project was to investigate the factors influencing food choice in young children as reported by parents and carers, and their opinions on labelling and product endorsement of food items targeted at young children aged 1 to 5 years. The project was conducted in col laboration with The Wiggles. Establishing good eating practices in early chi ldhood can provide the basis for food se lection and dietary intake in older chi ldren and adolescents. However, there has been litt le focus on the on food selection in young children (aged 1- 5 years). and their parents or carers. Members ofThe Wigg les online fan club (n = 205,014) and visitors to The Wiggles website were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Respondents were asked about the eating habits of their chi ldren, factors that influenced their food choices for their chi ld ren, and their children's food choices, and their opinions on labelling and product endorsement. A total of 11,873 respondents (Australia 480/o, USA 390/o) completed the questionnaire, resulting in one of the largest known population based data sets. The majority (940/o) of respondents rated nutrition labelling on foods as very important/ essential, while 860/o thought that labelling using Wiggles characters was a good/ excellent idea. This study suggests that product endorsement by The Wiggles encourages parents to choose the food item and chi ldren to eat the food even if they are fussy eaters. It is evident that The Wiggles have the potential to influence the food consumed by young children through food selection.
Details
- Title
- "Fruit Salad; Yummy, Yummy". Food choice in young children: The influence of The Wiggles
- Authors
- Fiona Pelly (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- 2009 University Research Conference Program Book, p.12
- Conference details
- USC Research Conference, 2009 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Nov-2009)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2009
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449490002621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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