Fruits and vegetables (F & V) contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. The current intake is below recommended levels in most European countries. The aim of this project is to identify determinants of F & V intake among school children, and to develop effective strategies to promote adequate consumption levels. Cross-sectional surveys will be implemented in representative samples of school children in nine European countries, and a comprehensive intervention programme will be developed and tested in three countries. It is expected that the project will provide important insight into F & V consumption patterns in different countries and into psychological and socio-demographic determinants of such consumption patterns. The project is also expected to result in a set of intervention strategies appropriate and effective in promoting F & V among school children and their parents across Europe.

• To develop valid and reliable instruments for assessing fruits and vegetables consumption and factors influencing the consumption patterns among school children and parents;
• To determine the consumption levels of fruits and vegetables and factors influencing the consumption of fruits and vegetables among school children and their parents in participating countries and in various sub-groups (such as gender, socio-economic groups and cultural background) and across countries.
• To design culturally relevant, but theoretically similar intervention programmes to be implemented in three participating countries. These programmes will all include a school-based education and food service component, as well as family involvement.
• To determine the applicability, impact, effect and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

The cross-sectional surveys among school children in nine countries assessing F & V consumption and its determinants will enhance our understanding of consumer choices and attitudes regarding F & V. The intervention programme in three countries will lead to a set of appropriate intervention strategies that are effective in promoting F & V among school children and their parents across Europe.