Purpose: The objective of this study was to develop a one-hour on farm food safety online module, which would inform k-12 students on various hazards associated with production and harvesting of fresh produce.
Methods: A one-hour on farm food safety online module for school age kids was developed using GAP approved educational and governmental resources. Quizzes for students and a user manual were created for facilitators and instructors on how to effectively perform the food safety training. Upon completion of the module and manual, a pilot study was performed at two K-12 school districts in Iowa along with a six member expert panel on education, agriculture, nutrition and food safety steering committee to test effectiveness of the preliminary impacts of the online training and user manual. Participants were asked to complete an online survey consisting of scale likelihood questions and open-ended questions for the facilitators and instructors to determine the effectiveness of the online module and the supporting materials. Statistical analysis was performed on the results.
Results: Survey results indicate that the online module will significantly increase the knowledge of students related to hazard associated with produce food safety (P < 0.05). The topics, graphics, design, length, and webpage were appropriate for the age group. Additionally, the resource guide and quizzes will be helpful and increase the knowledge and confidence of the facilitators of the training (P < 0.05). The group indicated that specific graphic and content material changes should be made within the module.
Significance: This online module is a first step toward educating the youth about food safety in the garden. Knowledge on hazard prevention will reduce the risk of produce contamination and decrease produce outbreaks from occurring in school gardens.