Legumes in portuguese kindergartens: an analysis of frequency and acceptance level

Legumes are environmentally sustainable, nutritious, and culturally significant foods in the Mediterranean region. However, Portuguese children consume only 6% of the daily recommendations. Kindergartens play a crucial role in shaping children's eating habits, making it essential to promote the consumption of these foods in these settings. This study aimed to identify legume consumption and its associated factors in nine Portuguese kindergartens, according to teachers’ perceptions. It is preliminary participatory research, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, using a structured questionnaire and an online focus group. Questionnaire data were presented in absolute numbers and frequencies, using Fisher's exact test. Data from the focus group were analyzed and interpreted using thematic content analysis. Quantitatively, it was observed that 77.8% of schools provide vegetarian meals approximately once a week. Legume grains are offered on average 3 times a week in 55.6% of schools. The acceptance level of legumes is 55.6%. The content analysis found that knowing how to cook legumes and family involvement in food education were positive aspects. The identified barriers were meal preparation outside of school and a lack of habit of consuming legumes. Based on these results, it is recommended that actions aimed at developing culinary skills in preparing legumes, food education with parental involvement, food preparation within the school, and the introduction of legumes in menus be prioritized in selected schools as early as possible.