Locally produced food is food that does not travel a long way from producer to consumer. Such food is not only more suitable for consumption, but by purchasing locally produced food we also promote sustainable economic development. In Slovenia, there are many providers of milk and dairy products located near public institutions, including kindergartens. In order for children to consume locally produced milk and dairy products, kindergarten teachers can also contribute a lot, both through planned and unplanned activities.
The aim of the research was to investigate how often children consume locally produced dairy products and their popularity among children. With the research, we wanted to determine how well children know how to make dairy products and how the knowledge of how to make them affects their consumption. The aim was also to introduce the importance of local food production to children through activities.
In the research, I used a qualitative case study. I used various research methods. I used an analysis of the literature that deals with local milk and dairy production and children's nutrition in kindergarten. I observed the children in the group for two weeks. I prepared and used rating scales, a questionnaire and an individual semi-structured interview for the kindergarten teachers and the organizer of nutrition and health hygiene regime.The sample was non-random. In my diploma thesis, I included a kindergarten group of children of the second age bracket, aged 4 to 6. There were 21 children present in the group during the research. The two teachers of the group of children in which I conducted the research and the organizer of nutrition and health hygiene regime were also included.
The results of the research showed that we can successfully encourage children to consume locally produced milk and dairy products with planned activities. The children gained a lot of new knowledge and experience through the activities. The children's vocabulary increased as a result of the activities carried out. The children learnt what locally produced cottage cheese spread is made of and made it themselves. It was found that knowing about food and visiting a local farm encourages children to eat the food they learn about on the farm.
The results obtained show that we can encourage the consumption of locally produced milk and dairy products in preschool children with the help of planned activities. Kindergarten is an environment in which children, with the help of kindergarten teachers and other professional workers, can gain a lot of new knowledge about food and nutrition.
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