Food Dudes Through the Eyes of Children

Objectives: The study explored children’s experiences of the healthy eating intervention Food Dudes. This evidence-based intervention aims to increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption through psychological principles. Thus, children’s perceptions of the intervention are important as this is likely to be a key influential factor in their involvement of the programme.
Design: A qualitative design was employed using semi structured interviews and focus groups with children aged 4–11. All children attended six primary schools in the West Midlands.
Methods: Seven in-depth interviews and two focus groups with 11 children were conducted following the Food Dudes intervention. Data gathered was analysed using the framework from Ritchie and Spencer’s thematic method.
Results: The children viewed Food Dudes in a favourable manner. In particular, positive views were expressed about the method and the materials used in implementing the Food Dudes intervention. Children’s attitudes and behaviour were also seen to change in a positive direction as a result of Food Dudes.
Conclusions: Children have a positive view of the Food Dudes intervention which, in this study, resulted in both behaviour and attitude change. Since children view the intervention in a positive light, they are more likely to change their behaviour. This therefore offers a way of improving the diet of young children. Further research is required which attempts to quantify children’s behaviour and attitude change in response to the Food Dudes programme.