Gurzo K, Lee DL, Ritchie K, Yoshida S, Homel Vitale E, Hecht K, Ritchie LD. Child Care Sites Participating in the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program Provide More Nutritious Foods and Beverages.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020;
52:697-704. [PMID:
32268971 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2020.02.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To compare food/beverage provisions between child care sites participating and not participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
DESIGN
Cross-sectional survey administered in 2016.
SETTING
Licensed child care centers and homes.
PARTICIPANTS
Child care providers (n = 2,400) randomly selected from California databases (30% responded). Respondents (n = 680) were primarily site directors (89%) at child care centers (83%) participating in CACFP (70%).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Meals/snacks served, and food/beverage provisions provided to children of age 1-5 years on the day before the survey.
ANALYSIS
Odds ratios unadjusted and adjusted for the number of meals/snacks using logistic regression.
RESULTS
Compared with CACFP sites, non-CACFP sites provided fewer meals/snacks; had lower odds of providing vegetables, meats/poultry/fish, eggs, whole grains, and milk; and had higher odds of providing candy, salty snacks, and sugary drinks. After adjusting for the number of meals/snacks, differences were attenuated but remained significant for meats/poultry/fish, milk, candy, salty snacks (centers only), and sugary drinks. Differences emerged in favor of CACFP for flavored/sugar-added yogurt, sweet cereals, frozen treats, and white grains.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Child care sites participating in CACFP are more likely to provide nutritious foods/beverages compared with non-CACFP sites. Child care sites are encouraged to participate in or follow CACFP program guidelines.
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