Example Project for Reducing Food Neophobia in Children within the BUBFA Program
Balıkesir University Burhaniye Faculty of Applied Sciences (BUBFA) has implemented the “Food Neophobia Awareness” project at Burhaniye Emine Akel Kindergarten, aiming to reduce fear and prejudice toward new foods among preschool children. Carried out with the motto “Taste, Explore, Grow with BUBFA,” the project aimed to support behavior change in both children and their families.
In the tasting workshop led by students from the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, children were offered date balls, pastries colored with beetroot, spinach and carrots, vegetable pasta, and cookies made with carob flour. A smoothie prepared with pumpkin and orange also contributed to helping children accept new flavors more easily. During the workshop, it was observed that children enjoyed trying the foods and reduced their prejudices toward vegetables.
Burhaniye District Governor Cumali Atilla, BUBFA Dean Prof. Dr. M. Oğuzhan İlban, District Director of National Education Bora Zihni, and kindergarten administrators attended the event and interacted with the children. Informative brochures explaining the causes and solutions of food neophobia were distributed to parents, and an educational animation was shown for the children.
Dean İlban emphasized that food neophobia left unaddressed during childhood may continue into adulthood and increase health risks, adding:
“Our faculty continues to support social responsibility projects that contribute to society. I congratulate our students and our partner institutions for their efforts in this valuable project.”
BUBFA stated that through such projects, it aims to both provide students with hands-on experience and create sustainable awareness in society.
