Knowledge and perceptions of the 2019 Canada's Food Guide: a qualitative study with Canadian children

Abstract

To support Canadians ages 2 years and older in improving their dietary intake, Health Canada released a revised Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) in 2019. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perceptions of the 2019 CFG among children ages 9–12 years old from Southwestern Ontario. From September–November 2021, interviews were conducted with children by video conference. Thirty-five children (50% girls, 80% White; mean age 9.9 years) participated. Data were analyzed using a hybrid thematic approach with inductive and deductive analyses. Many children expressed a lack of knowledge on certain foods (i.e., plant-based proteins, whole grains, highly processed foods) that are highlighted in the CFG. Children also expressed confusion around food groups, including recommended proportions and categorization of some foods (e.g., dairy products, plant-based proteins). Children generally expressed positive perceptions regarding CFG and its eating habit recommendations, i.e., “Cook more often”, “Eat meals with others”, and “Enjoy your food”, and they suggested strategies to improve adherence to these recommendations, including providing children more responsibility and independence with food preparation tasks and minimizing family time conflicts. Children’s perceptions of the CFG can help inform public health policies and programmatic strategies designed to support children's food choices and eating habits.