"It Was Shocking to See Her Make It, Eat it, and Love it!": How a Mobile App Can Transform Family Food and Health Conversations in Low-Income Homes

Abstract

Family discussions of food and nutrition are uncommon in low-income homes but can be important for stimulating healthy lifestyle changes. We explored the potential of an evidence-based mobile phone app—filled with vegetable-based recipes and healthy food tips—in stimulating these conversations. In this chapter, we share the stories of three families who made unusually heavy use of the app, called VeggieBook, and successfully transformed their food and health dynamics. In these homes, the app was used in social contexts, particularly with children who were encouraged to share their opinions about foods and their cooking skills in the kitchen. VeggieBook also helped bring families to the dinner table, where they discussed family matters, as well as issues about food and health. The app provoked communication and helped jumpstart low-income families’ journeys to better health.