Growing healthy habits in rural West Virginia communities: Evaluation of the Kids Garden Project pilot

Community gardens have shown success in improving access to and acceptability of healthy foods, but may be less feasible in rural areas due to challenges with terrain and transportation. The community-based organization, Main Street Kingwood, experienced such barriers to community gardens in rural West Virginia, leading them to develop a home-based garden project, the Kids Garden Project (KGP). The KGP provided tools for children (8-13 years old) and an adult relative to plant a garden in their own backyards. The project aimed to engage families and increase children's access to fruits and vegetables (F&V). A retrospective evaluation of the pilot project was conducted though a survey of adult mentors (n=6) and a focus group discussion with child participants (n=7). The evaluation assessed program impressions, implementation, and impact on children's attitudes and behaviors. Findings suggest that the project influenced children to try new F&V, as well as increased their excitement about learning how to grow and prepare F&V. Children reported learning how to plant a garden and strategies for addressing challenges. The adults enjoyed sharing their knowledge about gardening and spending time with their children. Findings also revealed that participation in the KGP provided daily physical activity since children reported spending about an hour each day gardening. The KGP encouraged the development of a life-long skill and healthy lifestyle activity. The pilot KGP shows promise as an environmental intervention for children living in rural areas where participation in a community garden is less feasible and access to fresh produce is limited.