title: Children's perceptions of the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program in Ontario, Canada.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined students' perceptions of and suggestions for the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program, a free, school-based fruit and vegetable snack program implemented in elementary schools in 2 regions of northern Ontario, Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a qualitative study involving 18 focus groups with students in 11 elementary schools in the Porcupine region and 7 schools in the Algoma region. One hundred thirty-nine students from grades 5-8 participated in this study. Inductive content analysis was used to identify key themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children perceived the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program to be a valuable program that allowed them to try new fruits and vegetables (FVs). Participants stated they now eat more FVs at home and at school. Participants would like the program offered more frequently and with more variety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although children identified several areas for program improvement, they generally perceived the program to be positive and valuable in promoting FV consumption.
authors: Public Health Research, Education and Development (PHRED) Program, Middlesex London Health Unit, London, Ontario, Canada. drmeizihe@gmail.com
authors: Meizi
authors: M
authors: He
authors: Charlene E
authors: CE
authors: Beynon
authors: Jennifer L
authors: JL
authors: Gritke
authors: Michelle L
authors: ML
authors: Henderson
authors: Joanne M
authors: JM
authors: Kurtz
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Sangster Bouck
authors: Renée L
authors: RL
authors: St Onge
authors: Melissa M
authors: MM
authors: van Zandvoort
authors: Renée D
authors: RD
authors: Chevrier-Lamoureux
authors: Claire Y
authors: CY
authors: Warren
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology*; D005638:Fruit; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D010465:Perception; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014675:Vegetables