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Berlic M, Jug U, Battelino T, Levart A, Dimitrovska I, Albreht A, Korošec M. Antioxidant-rich foods and nutritional value in daily kindergarten menu: A randomized controlled evaluation executed in Slovenia. Food Chem 2023; 404:134566. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kempler JV, Love P, Bolton KA, Rozman M, Spence AC. Exploring the Use of a Web-Based Menu Planning Tool in Childcare Services: Qualitative Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35553. [PMID: 35849438 PMCID: PMC9345012 DOI: 10.2196/35553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early childhood is a critical period for supporting the development of healthy eating habits, which may affect lifelong health. Childcare services are important settings for promoting early childhood nutrition; however, food provision in childcare frequently does not align with dietary guidelines. Web-based menu planning tools are well suited to support healthy food provision in childcare, although little is known about their use. Research is needed to understand how web-based menu planning tools are used in the childcare setting and how they can effectively support healthy menu planning and food provision for children in childcare. Objective We aimed to explore the use of a web-based menu planning tool called FoodChecker, which is available to childcare services in Victoria, Australia. We also aimed to gain insights and perspectives from childcare staff involved in menu planning about their use of the tool to plan healthy menus and guide healthy food provision for children. Methods We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using a cross-sectional web-based survey completed by the staff involved in menu planning in childcare services. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software. Emergent themes were mapped against constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model regarding perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and external variables influencing perceptions and use. Results The participants included 30 cooks and 34 directors from 53 childcare services. Participants perceived the web-based menu planning tool as useful for supporting child nutrition and health, improving organizational processes, and aiding the menu planner role. Perceptions regarding ease of use were mixed. External variables influencing perceptions and use included awareness of the tool, perceived need, time, resources, organizational support, and the food budget. Participants made recommendations to improve the tool, particularly the need to integrate functionality to make it easier and faster to use or to include more links to resources to support healthy menu planning. Conclusions The web-based menu planning tool was perceived as useful for cooks and directors in childcare services. Areas for improvement were identified; for example, the need for integrated digital features to make the tool easier and faster to use. As the first qualitative study to explore childcare staff experiences with a web-based menu planning tool, these findings inform future research and development of such tools to aid scalable and sustainable support for healthier food provision in the childcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica V Kempler
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Penelope Love
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Kristy A Bolton
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Margaret Rozman
- Healthy Eating Advisory Service, Nutrition Australia Victorian Division, Docklands, Australia
| | - Alison C Spence
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Elford A, Gwee C, Veal M, Jani R, Sambell R, Kashef S, Love P. Identification and Evaluation of Tools Utilised for Measuring Food Provision in Childcare Centres and Primary Schools: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4096. [PMID: 35409781 PMCID: PMC8998327 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children aged 2-11 years spend significant hours per week in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and primary schools. Whilst considered important environments to influence children's food intake, there is heterogeneity in the tools utilised to assess food provision in these settings. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate tools used to measure food provision in ECEC and primary schools. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) was followed. Publications (2003-2020) that implemented, validated, or developed measurement tools to assess food provision within ECEC or primary schools were included. Two reviewers extracted and evaluated studies, cross checked by a third reviewer and verified by all authors. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist (QCC) was used to critically appraise each study. RESULTS Eighty-two studies were included in the review. Seven measurement tools were identified, namely, Menu review; Observation; Weighed food protocol; Questionnaire/survey; Digital photography; Quick menu audit; and Web-based menu assessment. An evidence-based evaluation was conducted for each tool. CONCLUSIONS The weighed food protocol was found to be the most popular and accurate measurement tool to assess individual-level intake. Future research is recommended to develop and validate a tool to assess service-level food provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Elford
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia;
| | - Cherice Gwee
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (C.G.); (M.V.)
| | - Maliney Veal
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia; (C.G.); (M.V.)
| | - Rati Jani
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Ros Sambell
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia;
| | - Shabnam Kashef
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Penelope Love
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia;
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Yen CE. Food and nutrient provision in preschools: Comparison of public and private preschools. Nutr Health 2020; 27:9-15. [PMID: 33040682 DOI: 10.1177/0260106020942430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A balanced diet is important for ensuring health and development in childhood. As preschool is the main place of childcare, the meals that they provide have a critical influence on children's dietary intake. AIM The objectives of this study were to evaluate the nutrition status of preschool meals and to compare the food and nutrient content in public and private preschool meals. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 12 randomly sampled, public and private preschools in Taichung City, Taiwan. The background questionnaires, which included the meal budget and provision status of preschool meals, were completed either by the principals or supervisors of the preschools. The food and nutrition levels of preschool meals were assessed by weighing the actual food provided to the preschool children. In addition, preschool menus were collected to evaluate the meals and food served. RESULTS Overall, the mean calcium provision of preschools was lower than half the daily dietary reference intake (DRI), and the mean sodium was higher than half the DRI. The mean energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, iron and vitamins B1, B2 and C supplied by the public preschools were significantly higher than those in the private preschools. In addition, the whole grains, meat, vegetables, fruits, oil and nuts supplied in public preschools were significantly higher than those found in private preschools. CONCLUSIONS The mean energy and macronutrient provision of public preschools were significantly higher than those found in private preschools. Meal quality and nutrient levels offered in public preschools were generally higher than those found in private preschools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-En Yen
- 63114Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung
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Stanikowski P, Michalak-Majewska M, Domagała D, Jabłońska-Ryś E, Sławińska A. Implementation of Dietary Reference Intake Standards in Prison Menus in Poland. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12030728. [PMID: 32164205 PMCID: PMC7146611 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate nutrition in prisons should constantly be monitored due to the limited possibilities of external control as well as the low catering budget for prison meals and poorly defined requirements in this regard. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional value of meals served in Polish prisons. Using a computer program, 14-day regular and bland diets from 30 prisons were analyzed. The energy value of the meals and the percentage of energy provided by protein, fat, and carbohydrate contained therein were found to meet the recommendations of the Polish National Food and Nutrition Institute. The amount of minerals supplied with the diet did not cover the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in the case of calcium and magnesium. Particularly disturbing was the excessive supply of sodium in the regular and bland diets, which covered 537% and 311% of the dietary reference intake (DRI), respectively, as well as phosphorus (194 and 192% of RDA). The largest vitamin deficiencies were recorded for vitamins D and C and folate. An especially excessive supply was observed for vitamins A and B12. The type of diet significantly differentiated the average content of over half of the analyzed components, whereas the season of the year turned out to be statistically insignificant. The results of the present investigations indicate a need for development of more accurate legal provisions to regulate the nutrition in Polish prisons in terms of not only the energy value and macronutrient supply but also the intake of minerals and vitamins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Stanikowski
- Department of Plant Food Technology and Gastronomy, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-704 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.-M.); (E.J.-R.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-462-33-09
| | - Monika Michalak-Majewska
- Department of Plant Food Technology and Gastronomy, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-704 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.-M.); (E.J.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Dorota Domagała
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-612 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Jabłońska-Ryś
- Department of Plant Food Technology and Gastronomy, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-704 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.-M.); (E.J.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Aneta Sławińska
- Department of Plant Food Technology and Gastronomy, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-704 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.-M.); (E.J.-R.); (A.S.)
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Myszkowska-Ryciak J, Harton A. Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy: Outcome Evaluation of the Nutrition Education Program Optimizing the Nutritional Value of Preschool Menus, Poland. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2438. [PMID: 31614948 PMCID: PMC6835571 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staff education can improve the quality of nutrition in childcare centers, but an objective assessment of the change is necessary to assess its effectiveness. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the multicomponent educational program for improving the nutritional value of preschools menus in Poland measured by the change in nutrients content before (baseline) and 3-6 months after education (post-baseline). A sample of 10 daily menus and inventory reports reflecting foods and beverages served in 231 full-board government-sponsored preschools was analyzed twice: at baseline and post-baseline (in total 4620 inventory reports). The changes in 1. the supply of nutrients per 1 child per day; 2. the nutrient-to-energy ratio of menus; 3. the number of preschools serving menus consistent with the healthy diet recommendations, were assessed. Education resulted in favorable changes in the supply of energy, fat and saturated fatty acids. The nutrient-to-energy ratio for vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, folate and minerals Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc increased significantly. The percentage of preschools implementing the recommendations for energy, share of fat, saturated fatty acids and sucrose as well as calcium, iron and potassium increased significantly. However, no beneficial effects of education on the content of iodine, potassium, vitamin D and folate were observed. This study indicates the potentially beneficial effect of education in optimizing the quality of the menu in preschools. However, the magnitude of change is still not sufficient to meet the nutritional standards for deficient nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Harton
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
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Myszkowska-Ryciak J, Harton A. Impact of Nutrition Education on the Compliance with Model Food Ration in 231 Preschools, Poland: Results of Eating Healthy, Growing Healthy Program. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1427. [PMID: 30287734 PMCID: PMC6213417 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To ensure the adequate supply of nutrients, a model food ration (MFR) should be used for planning the menu. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of the nutrition education program on the compliance with MFR in 231 preschools. The average supply of food products (per child/day) with reference to the MFR was examined on the baseline and 3 to 6 months after education on the basis of 10-day menus and daily inventory reports (4620 in total). According to the recommendations, preschool should implement 70⁻75% of the recommended daily intake standards. Examined menus had too high content of meat and meat products, whereas vegetables, milk and fermented milk beverages, cottage cheese and eggs were served in scarce. Education significantly reduced the amount of meat (47.7 vs. 44.5 g), processed meat (16.2 vs. 14.4 g), sugar and sweets (15.9 vs. 14.4 g) and increased the amount of cereals, groats, rice (17.7 vs. 18.5 g), vegetables (164.3 vs. 170.8 g), milk and fermented milk beverages (200.3 vs. 209.5 g) but the compliance with the MFR remained poor. The evaluation of menus stressed the need for further modifying their composition. Education can positively affect the quality of nutrition; however, introduction of the legal nutritional regulations should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Harton
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 159C Nowoursynowska Str, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
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