The effect of home gardening on vegetable and fruit consumption: a pre-post intervention study in Northeast Hungary

BACKGROUND: Diet low in vegetables and fruits is one of the leading dietary risk factors for non-communicable diseases. In Hungary, the average consumption of vegetables and fruits is less than the recommended daily amount. Home gardening is a feasible option in rural areas and could provide a sustainable way to increase daily vegetable and fruit intake. This study evaluated the effect of a home gardening intervention on vegetable and fruit consumption in two rural settlements in Hungary. METHODS: A pre-post interventional study was conducted between May and September 2022 with the participation of 50 adults. The intervention included education on gardening, nutrition and healthy cooking techniques. The participants were provided with seeds and seedlings, and an information booklet. Before and after the intervention a questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic data, vegetable and fruit consumption, knowledge of healthy diet, physical activity, weight and height, and wellbeing. The differences between vegetable and fruit consumption, and other variables measured before and after the intervention were tested using statistical tests. RESULTS: The consumption of fruits and vegetables increased from a median of 1.6 (IQR 0.8-2.7) servings to 5.5 (IQR 3.9-7.6) servings per day (p < 0.001). The proportion of participants meeting the recommended intake of at least 5 servings per day increased from 10% to 60% (p < 0.001). Nutrition knowledge and physical activity slightly improved (p < 0.001), while BMI did not significantly change. CONCLUSION: The complex home gardening intervention had a positive effect on the vegetable and fruit intake of the study participants. Home gardening is potentially a feasible way of promoting healthier eating habits in rural communities.