4.22.2013 A study by Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab found that by simply slicing whole fruit, students were more likely to choose it and to eat it. Cafeteria staff used low-tech fruit sectionizers (available for around $200) to quickly slice whole apples for service. Young students find large pieces of whole fruit difficult to eat with missing teeth or while wearing braces, and teenage girls report being concerned about looking unattractive when eating whole fruit. However, pre-slicing fruit made the fruit more appealing to both elementary school students and middle school students in the study.
Pre-slicing fruit is a great example of a low-cost, simple strategy that improves the appeal of school food and creates the opportunity for students to enjoy fresh produce. With the new increased serving size requirements for fruits and vegetables in school lunch, CFPA encourages schools to slice fruits and vegetables and look for other simple ways to improve the appeal of produce at breakfast, lunch and during snacks or meals in the afternoon.
To find out more about the REAL School Food Initiative, which promotes fresh and appealing food in schools, go here.
Read more about the study here.
Questions? Contact Markell Lewis (markell@cfpa.net or 510.433.1122 ext 107)
