The purpose of this study was to analyze the dietary habits and perception of vegetable intake of elementary students in Gwangju and Jeonnam Gokseong county. Data collection was conducted from 5th and 6th grade students of elementary schools in Gwangju and Jeonnam Gokseong county using a structured questionnaire survey. The SPSS program was used for statistics processing and data analysis. The chi-square test was also conducted. In terms of dietary intake habits, female students consumed their

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... eals slower than male students. Information on dietary habits and nutrition was commonly obtained from family, including the mother or father who commonly prepared meals at home. Snacks were commonly consumed less than twice daily, with the Gwangju area having a higher frequency of snacks than the Jeonnam area. Elementary students indicated that vegetables were their least favorite food, with female students having a higher interest in vegetables than male students. The pattern and perception of vegetable intake came when the students (that did not eat vegetables) were lectured by their parents on the nutritive value of vegetables. Most students understood the important nutritional ingredients of vegetables. In the case of an interest in vegetables, the Gwangju area showed significantly more comprehension than the Jeonnam area on the definition and role of dietary fiber, the dental benefits of dietary fiber, and the identification of the environment-friendly certification mark.