Arizona State University
ASU Fruit & Vegetable Study
Arizona State University is studying how local schools and grocery stores can work together to promote fruits and vegetables and support healthy eating among children and families.
About the Study
The ASU Fruit & Vegetable Study is working with participating Phoenix-area elementary schools and nearby Food City stores. The study will help researchers understand how schools and grocery stores can work together to promote fruits and vegetables for children and families.
Who May Qualify
This is a brief overview. A short screening survey will determine whether you and your child are eligible.
- You are a parent or caregiver age 18 or older.
- You have a child in grades 3-6 during the 2026-2027 school year.
- Your child attends a participating Phoenix-area elementary school.
- You and your child can participate in English or Spanish.
- Your child regularly eats school lunch.
What Families Will Do
If enrolled, a parent or caregiver and child will take part in study activities during the school year.
Study visits
- Visit a nearby Food City store three times during the school year.
- Each visit will take about 60 minutes.
- The parent or caregiver and child will complete surveys.
Measurements and readings
- Trained study staff will measure height and weight in a semi-private area.
- The parent or caregiver and child will complete a Veggie Meter reading.
School lunch information
Trained ASU research staff will collect information about the child's lunch tray at school three times during the study period.
Research staff will photograph the lunch tray and weigh selected food items before and after lunch. Photos will show the tray and food, not the child's face.
Veggie Meter
The Veggie Meter is a safe, non-invasive tool that uses light on a fingertip to estimate nutrients in the skin related to fruit and vegetable intake. The reading takes only a few minutes and does not hurt.
Thank You for Your Time
- Participating parents or caregivers may receive up to $150 total in electronic gift cards for completing all three study visits.
- Participating children may receive small gifts totaling approximately $6 across the study.
- There is no payment for completing the eligibility screening survey.
Voluntary Participation and Privacy
- Taking the screening survey and joining the study are voluntary.
- Participants may skip questions or stop participating at any time.
- Study information will be kept confidential.
- Names will not be included in study reports.
- Participants may not benefit directly from taking part.
- What the researchers learn may help schools and grocery stores support healthier communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this study about?
Arizona State University researchers are studying how local schools and grocery stores can work together to promote fruits and vegetables for children and families.
How many study visits are there?
There are three visits during the school year.
How long does each visit take?
Each visit takes about 60 minutes.
What will my child do?
Your child will complete a short survey, have height and weight measured, and complete a Veggie Meter reading. Research staff will also collect lunch-tray information at school three times.
Does the Veggie Meter hurt?
No. It is non-invasive and uses a safe light on the fingertip. The reading takes only a few minutes.
Will my family be compensated?
Parents or caregivers may receive up to $150 total in electronic gift cards for completing all three visits. Children may receive small gifts totaling approximately $6. There is no payment for completing the eligibility screening survey.
Is participation required?
No. Participation is voluntary. You may skip questions or stop at any time.
How is my information protected?
The study team uses study ID numbers, keeps names separate from study information, and reports results in summary form without names.
Is there a direct benefit?
You and your child may not benefit directly. What researchers learn may help schools and grocery stores support healthier communities.
How do I contact the study team?
Study phone: 480-884-0447
Study email: [email protected]
See If You Qualify
A short screening survey will determine whether you and your child are eligible.