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Schachtner-Appel A, Moses L, Jackey B, Jewell E, Patel D, Song HJ. Evaluation of an Online Training Course for Childcare Providers Participating in the CACFP Infant Feeding Program. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:391-399. [PMID: 38280150 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursement for meals and snacks offered in participating centers and issues nutrition standards, including guidelines for feeding infants in childcare settings. Offering training to childcare providers participating in the CACFP is necessary to ensure compliance with nutrition standards in childcare settings. METHODS A State Department of Education and University Extension system collaborated to develop an online nutrition training course for childcare providers. Providers (n = 57) participated in the course on CACFP nutrition standards related to feeding infants (0-12 months of age). Thirty-two of 57 participants completed both pre- and post-training surveys that were used to assess changes in knowledge and confidence concerning infant feeding standards. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to assess differences in survey responses before and after the course. RESULTS Self-confidence and knowledge of providers related to infant feeding were significantly increased after completion of the training course (p < 0.001). More participants reported their sites were likely to respond to infants showing they were hungry or full than before the course (44.4% vs. 75.7%, respectively). Participant feedback indicated the online asynchronous course was convenient, useful, and topics were relevant to training needs. DISCUSSION The online course was feasible and effective for providing training on CACFP guidelines for childcare providers. Feedback from participants can be adapted and used for future training programs to further improve the course and delivery methods and efficiently reach a broad audience of childcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Schachtner-Appel
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland College Park, 0112 Skinner Building, 4300 Chapel Lane, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Leena Moses
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Beverly Jackey
- Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Maryland Extension, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Erin Jewell
- Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Maryland Extension, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Dhruti Patel
- Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Maryland Extension, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Hee-Jung Song
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland College Park, 0112 Skinner Building, 4300 Chapel Lane, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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Zaltz DA. Leveraging the Child and Adult Care Food Program to Facilitate Healthy Behaviors and Environments in Early Care and Education Settings. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:S198-S201. [PMID: 38118093 PMCID: PMC10733884 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Zaltz
- The author is with the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Asada Y, Schermbeck R, Thiede K, Chriqui JF. Opportunities to Improve Access to and Retention in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: Key Recommendations From Early Childcare Providers in Illinois, December 2020-July 2021. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:S231-S239. [PMID: 38118081 PMCID: PMC10733880 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To identify recommendations to improve access to and retention in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) as critical strategies to address health equity for low-income children. Methods. We conducted a qualitative key informant study of early childcare center and home providers (n = 35) in low-income urban and rural census tracts in Illinois between December 2020 and July 2021. Interviews with providers were organized and analyzed by the study team in MAXQDA Qualitative Data Analysis software. Themes were refined and finalized via member checking with an expert panel of providers and advocates. Results. Overall, providers spoke positively of the benefits of CACFP participation. Themes that centered around strategies to improve awareness of and access to CACFP included (1) conducting systematic statewide outreach, (2) improving technical assistance for enrollment, and (3) supporting positive sponsor-provider relationships. Themes related to retention included (1) alleviating procurement burdens, (2) extending reimbursement rates, and (3) expanding flexibilities. Conclusions. Policymakers looking to increase access to and retention in CACFP could consider state-level strategies such as systematic outreach and more targeted technical assistance. (Am J Public Health. 2024;113(S3):S231-S239. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307433).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Asada
- Yuka Asada is with the School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Rebecca Schermbeck and Kendall Thiede are with the Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois, Chicago. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy Research, Institute for Health Research and Policy, and Department of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Yuka Asada is also a Guest Editor for this supplement issue
| | - Rebecca Schermbeck
- Yuka Asada is with the School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Rebecca Schermbeck and Kendall Thiede are with the Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois, Chicago. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy Research, Institute for Health Research and Policy, and Department of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Yuka Asada is also a Guest Editor for this supplement issue
| | - Kendall Thiede
- Yuka Asada is with the School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Rebecca Schermbeck and Kendall Thiede are with the Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois, Chicago. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy Research, Institute for Health Research and Policy, and Department of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Yuka Asada is also a Guest Editor for this supplement issue
| | - Jamie F Chriqui
- Yuka Asada is with the School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Rebecca Schermbeck and Kendall Thiede are with the Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois, Chicago. Jamie F. Chriqui is with the Division of Health Policy Research, Institute for Health Research and Policy, and Department of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois, Chicago. Yuka Asada is also a Guest Editor for this supplement issue
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Kenney EL, Poole MK, Frost N, Kinderknecht K, Mozaffarian RS, Andreyeva T. How policy implementation shapes the impact of U.S. food assistance policies: the case study of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1286050. [PMID: 38028947 PMCID: PMC10653325 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1286050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Much of the chronic disease burden in the U.S. population can be traced to poor diet. There has been a sustained focus on influencing children's diets and encouraging healthier eating habits by changing policies for what foods and beverages can be served to children through large federally-funded nutrition assistance programs. Yet without attention to how nutrition policies are implemented, and the surrounding context for these policies, these policy changes may not have the intended results. In this perspective, we used Bullock et al.'s (2021) Process Model of Implementation from a Policy Perspective to analyze how the complexities of the implementation process of large-scale nutrition policies can dilute potential health outcomes. We examine the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal program focused on supporting the provision of nutritious meals to over 4 million children attending childcare, as a case study. We examine how the larger societal contexts of food insecurity, attitudes towards the social safety net, and a fragmented childcare system interact with CACFP. We review the "policy package" of CACFP itself, in terms of its regulatory requirements, and the various federal, state, and local implementation agencies that shape CACFP's on-the-ground implementation. We then review the evidence for how each component of the CACFP policy implementation process impacts uptake, costs, feasibility, equity, and effectiveness at improving children's nutrition. Our case study demonstrates how public health researchers and practitioners must consider the complexities of policy implementation processes to ensure effective implementation of nutrition policies intended to improve population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L. Kenney
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mary Kathryn Poole
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Kelsey Kinderknecht
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca S. Mozaffarian
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tatiana Andreyeva
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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Gahan E, Hansotte E, Lindstrom KE, Vaughn S, Cummings S. The impact of sodium reduction on overall nutrient content in Child and Adult Care Food Program meals. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2433-2440. [PMID: 37317033 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the impact of Na reduction on the nutrient content of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meals served through At-Risk Afterschool Meals (ARASM) without compromising the nutritional quality of the meals served. DESIGN Sodium Reduction in Communities Program (SRCP) partnered with a CACFP ARASM programme from October 2016 to September 2021. We assessed changes in Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) food component scores and macro- and micronutrients using cross-sectional nutrient analyses of October 2016 and 2020 menus. SETTING ARASM programme sites in Indianapolis, IN, USA. PARTICIPANTS October 2016 and 2020 menus from one CACFP ARASM programme. INTERVENTION Na reduction strategies included implementing food service guidelines, modifying meal components, changing procurement practices and facilitating environmental changes to promote lower Na items. RESULTS From baseline in 2016 to 2020, fifteen meal components were impacted by the intervention, which impacted 17 (85 %) meals included in the analysis. Average Na per meal reduced significantly between 2016 (837·9 mg) and 2020 (627·9 mg) (P = 0·002). Between 2016 and 2020, there were significant increases in whole grains (P = 0·003) and total vegetables (P < 0·001) and significant reductions in refined grains (P = 0·001) and Na (P = 0·02), all per 1000 kcal served. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that Na content can be reduced in CACFP meals without compromising the nutritional quality of meals served. Future studies are needed to identify feasible best practices and policies to reduce Na content in the CACFP meal pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Gahan
- Marion County Public Health Department, 3838 Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN46205, USA
| | - Elinor Hansotte
- Marion County Public Health Department, 3838 Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN46205, USA
| | - K Elise Lindstrom
- Marion County Public Health Department, 3838 Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN46205, USA
| | - Shelley Vaughn
- Marion County Public Health Department, 3838 Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN46205, USA
| | - Sandra Cummings
- Marion County Public Health Department, 3838 Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN46205, USA
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Mozaffarian RS, Carter S, Bovenzi MC, Kenney EL. Comparison of foods and beverages served and consumed in Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating childcare centres to national guidelines. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1862-1870. [PMID: 37288521 PMCID: PMC10478045 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002300109x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sets minimum nutrition and portion size standards for meals served in participating childcare programs. CACFP has been associated with more nutritious meals served. It is unclear, however, whether CACFP results in children's dietary intake being aligned with national recommendations. We assess whether children's dietary intake in CACFP-participating childcare centres meets benchmarks set by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study. We used direct observation to estimate quantities of foods/beverages served and consumed per child. Mean amounts served per child per day were compared with CACFP portion size requirements for each component (fruits, vegetables, milk and meat/meat alternate). Mean amounts of foods/beverages consumed were compared with DGA recommendations (energy content, fruits, vegetables, whole/refined grains, dairy, protein and added sugars). One sample t-tests evaluated if quantities served and consumed were different from CACFP and DGA standards, respectively. SETTING Six CACFP-participating childcare centres. PARTICIPANTS 2-5 year-old children attending childcare. RESULTS We observed forty-six children across 166 child meals. Most meals served met CACFP nutrition standards. Compared with CACFP portion size standards, children were served more grains at breakfast and lunch; more fruits/vegetables at lunch but less at breakfast and snack and less dairy at all eating occasions. Compared with DGA recommendations, children under-consumed every food/beverage category except grains during at least one eating occasion. CONCLUSIONS Children were served quantities of foods/beverages mostly consistent with CACFP portion size requirements, but had sub-optimal intake relative to DGA. More research is needed to help children consume healthy diets in childcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Mozaffarian
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA02115, USA
| | - Sonia Carter
- Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA02118, USA
| | | | - Erica L Kenney
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA02115, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA02115, USA
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Yoong SL, Lum M, Wolfenden L, Jackson J, Barnes C, Hall AE, McCrabb S, Pearson N, Lane C, Jones JZ, Nolan E, Dinour L, McDonnell T, Booth D, Grady A. Healthy eating interventions delivered in early childhood education and care settings for improving the diet of children aged six months to six years. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 8:CD013862. [PMID: 37606067 PMCID: PMC10443896 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013862.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary intake during early childhood can have implications on child health and developmental trajectories. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are recommended settings to deliver healthy eating interventions as they provide access to many children during this important period. Healthy eating interventions delivered in ECEC settings can include strategies targeting the curriculum (e.g. nutrition education), ethos and environment (e.g. menu modification) and partnerships (e.g. workshops for families). Despite guidelines supporting the delivery of healthy eating interventions in this setting, little is known about their impact on child health. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of healthy eating interventions delivered in ECEC settings for improving dietary intake in children aged six months to six years, relative to usual care, no intervention or an alternative, non-dietary intervention. Secondary objectives were to assess the impact of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions on physical outcomes (e.g. child body mass index (BMI), weight, waist circumference), language and cognitive outcomes, social/emotional and quality-of-life outcomes. We also report on cost and adverse consequences of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions. SEARCH METHODS We searched eight electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Scopus and SportDiscus on 24 February 2022. We searched reference lists of included studies, reference lists of relevant systematic reviews, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar, and contacted authors of relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-RCTs, stepped-wedge RCTs, factorial RCTs, multiple baseline RCTs and randomised cross-over trials, of healthy eating interventions targeting children aged six months to six years that were conducted within the ECEC setting. ECEC settings included preschools, nurseries, kindergartens, long day care and family day care. To be included, studies had to include at least one intervention component targeting child diet within the ECEC setting and measure child dietary or physical outcomes, or both. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Pairs of review authors independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted study data. We assessed risk of bias for all studies against 12 criteria within RoB 1, which allows for consideration of how selection, performance, attrition, publication and reporting biases impact outcomes. We resolved discrepancies via consensus or by consulting a third review author. Where we identified studies with suitable data and homogeneity, we performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model; otherwise, we described findings using vote-counting approaches and via harvest plots. For measures with similar metrics, we calculated mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes. We calculated standardised mean differences (SMDs) for primary and secondary outcomes where studies used different measures. We applied GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for dietary, cost and adverse outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We included 52 studies that investigated 58 interventions (described across 96 articles). All studies were cluster-RCTs. Twenty-nine studies were large (≥ 400 participants) and 23 were small (< 400 participants). Of the 58 interventions, 43 targeted curriculum, 56 targeted ethos and environment, and 50 targeted partnerships. Thirty-eight interventions incorporated all three components. For the primary outcomes (dietary outcomes), we assessed 19 studies as overall high risk of bias, with performance and detection bias being most commonly judged as high risk of bias. ECEC-based healthy eating interventions versus usual practice or no intervention may have a positive effect on child diet quality (SMD 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.65; P = 0.03, I2 = 91%; 6 studies, 1973 children) but the evidence is very uncertain. There is moderate-certainty evidence that ECEC-based healthy eating interventions likely increase children's consumption of fruit (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.18; P < 0.01, I2 = 0%; 11 studies, 2901 children). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions on children's consumption of vegetables (SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.25; P =0.08, I2 = 70%; 13 studies, 3335 children). There is moderate-certainty evidence that ECEC-based healthy eating interventions likely result in little to no difference in children's consumption of non-core (i.e. less healthy/discretionary) foods (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.08; P = 0.48, I2 = 16%; 7 studies, 1369 children) or consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SMD -0.10, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.14; P = 0.41, I2 = 45%; 3 studies, 522 children). Thirty-six studies measured BMI, BMI z-score, weight, overweight and obesity, or waist circumference, or a combination of some or all of these. ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may result in little to no difference in child BMI (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.07; P = 0.30, I2 = 65%; 15 studies, 3932 children) or in child BMI z-score (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.03; P = 0.36, I2 = 0%; 17 studies; 4766 children). ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may decrease child weight (MD -0.23, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.03; P = 0.09, I2 = 0%; 9 studies, 2071 children) and risk of overweight and obesity (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.01; P = 0.07, I2 = 0%; 5 studies, 1070 children). ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may be cost-effective but the evidence is very uncertain (6 studies). ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may have little to no effect on adverse consequences but the evidence is very uncertain (3 studies). Few studies measured language and cognitive skills (n = 2), social/emotional outcomes (n = 2) and quality of life (n = 3). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may improve child diet quality slightly, but the evidence is very uncertain, and likely increase child fruit consumption slightly. There is uncertainty about the effect of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions on vegetable consumption. ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may result in little to no difference in child consumption of non-core foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. Healthy eating interventions could have favourable effects on child weight and risk of overweight and obesity, although there was little to no difference in BMI and BMI z-scores. Future studies exploring the impact of specific intervention components, and describing cost-effectiveness and adverse outcomes are needed to better understand how to maximise the impact of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Lin Yoong
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Melanie Lum
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Jacklyn Jackson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Courtney Barnes
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Alix E Hall
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Sam McCrabb
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Nicole Pearson
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Cassandra Lane
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Jannah Z Jones
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Erin Nolan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Lauren Dinour
- College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Therese McDonnell
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Debbie Booth
- Auchmuty Library, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Alice Grady
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
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Tripicchio GL, Croce CM, Coffman DL, Pettinato C, Fisher JO. Age-related differences in eating location, food source location, and timing of snack intake among U.S. children 1-19 years. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:90. [PMID: 37495996 PMCID: PMC10369691 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01489-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snacking is nearly universal and contributes significant energy to U.S. children's diets. Little is known, however, about where and when snacking intake occurs and if such patterns change with age. This research evaluated age-related differences in eating location, food source location, and timing of snacking among U.S. children aged 1-19 years (y). METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of snacking among 14,666 children in the 2007-2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted using a single 24-hour dietary recall. Snacking was participant-defined and included all eating occasions outside of meals. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to examine the effects of age (toddler 1-2 y, preschooler 3-5 y, school-age 6-11 y, adolescent 12-19 y) on the percentage of daily snack energy consumed by eating location (at home vs. away from home), food source location (grocery store, convenience store, school/childcare, restaurant, from someone else (i.e. "socially"), and other), and time of day (morning, 6am-12pm; early afternoon, 12pm-3pm; late afternoon/afterschool 3pm-6pm; evening 6pm-9pm, late-night 9pm-12am, and overnight 12am-6am). RESULTS On average, U.S. children consumed most of their daily snacking energy at home (71%), from foods and beverages obtained from grocery stores (75%), and in the late afternoon/afterschool (31%). Toddlers and preschoolers consumed a greater percentage of their daily snack energy during the morning hours compared to school-age children and adolescents (both p < 0.001); school-age children consumed the most in the evening (27%, p < 0.001), and adolescents consumed the most in the late-night period (22%, p < 0.001). Age-related increases were seen in the percentage of daily snacking energy eaten outside the home (p < 0.001), and obtained socially (p < 0.001), from restaurants (p < 0.001), and convenience stores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Findings reveal age-related differences in eating location, food source location, and timing of snack intake among U.S. children aged 1-19 y. Younger children consume a greater percentage of snacking calories in the morning and at home relative to older children. School-age children and adolescents show greater snacking in the evening and at night and from foods obtained and eaten outside the home. Efforts to promote healthy snacking behaviors among children should consider developmental differences in snacking patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina L Tripicchio
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, 3223 N. Broad Street, Suite 175, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Christina M Croce
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, 3223 N. Broad Street, Suite 175, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Donna L Coffman
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cameron Pettinato
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, 3223 N. Broad Street, Suite 175, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jennifer O Fisher
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, 3223 N. Broad Street, Suite 175, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
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Yoong SL, Lum M, Wolfenden L, Jackson J, Barnes C, Hall AE, McCrabb S, Pearson N, Lane C, Jones JZ, Dinour L, McDonnell T, Booth D, Grady A. Healthy eating interventions delivered in early childhood education and care settings for improving the diet of children aged six months to six years. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 6:CD013862. [PMID: 37306513 PMCID: PMC10259732 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013862.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary intake during early childhood can have implications on child health and developmental trajectories. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are recommended settings to deliver healthy eating interventions as they provide access to many children during this important period. Healthy eating interventions delivered in ECEC settings can include strategies targeting the curriculum (e.g. nutrition education), ethos and environment (e.g. menu modification) and partnerships (e.g. workshops for families). Despite guidelines supporting the delivery of healthy eating interventions in this setting, little is known about their impact on child health. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of healthy eating interventions delivered in ECEC settings for improving dietary intake in children aged six months to six years, relative to usual care, no intervention or an alternative, non-dietary intervention. Secondary objectives were to assess the impact of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions on physical outcomes (e.g. child body mass index (BMI), weight, waist circumference), language and cognitive outcomes, social/emotional and quality-of-life outcomes. We also report on cost and adverse consequences of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions. SEARCH METHODS We searched eight electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Scopus and SportDiscus on 24 February 2022. We searched reference lists of included studies, reference lists of relevant systematic reviews, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar, and contacted authors of relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-RCTs, stepped-wedge RCTs, factorial RCTs, multiple baseline RCTs and randomised cross-over trials, of healthy eating interventions targeting children aged six months to six years that were conducted within the ECEC setting. ECEC settings included preschools, nurseries, kindergartens, long day care and family day care. To be included, studies had to include at least one intervention component targeting child diet within the ECEC setting and measure child dietary or physical outcomes, or both. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Pairs of review authors independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted study data. We assessed risk of bias for all studies against 12 criteria within RoB 1, which allows for consideration of how selection, performance, attrition, publication and reporting biases impact outcomes. We resolved discrepancies via consensus or by consulting a third review author. Where we identified studies with suitable data and homogeneity, we performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model; otherwise, we described findings using vote-counting approaches and via harvest plots. For measures with similar metrics, we calculated mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes. We calculated standardised mean differences (SMDs) for primary and secondary outcomes where studies used different measures. We applied GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for dietary, cost and adverse outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: We included 52 studies that investigated 58 interventions (described across 96 articles). All studies were cluster-RCTs. Twenty-nine studies were large (≥ 400 participants) and 23 were small (< 400 participants). Of the 58 interventions, 43 targeted curriculum, 56 targeted ethos and environment, and 50 targeted partnerships. Thirty-eight interventions incorporated all three components. For the primary outcomes (dietary outcomes), we assessed 19 studies as overall high risk of bias, with performance and detection bias being most commonly judged as high risk of bias. ECEC-based healthy eating interventions versus usual practice or no intervention may have a positive effect on child diet quality (SMD 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.65; P = 0.03, I2 = 91%; 6 studies, 1973 children) but the evidence is very uncertain. There is moderate-certainty evidence that ECEC-based healthy eating interventions likely increase children's consumption of fruit (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.18; P < 0.01, I2 = 0%; 11 studies, 2901 children). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions on children's consumption of vegetables (SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.25; P =0.08, I2 = 70%; 13 studies, 3335 children). There is moderate-certainty evidence that ECEC-based healthy eating interventions likely result in little to no difference in children's consumption of non-core (i.e. less healthy/discretionary) foods (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.08; P = 0.48, I2 = 16%; 7 studies, 1369 children) or consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SMD -0.10, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.14; P = 0.41, I2 = 45%; 3 studies, 522 children). Thirty-six studies measured BMI, BMI z-score, weight, overweight and obesity, or waist circumference, or a combination of some or all of these. ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may result in little to no difference in child BMI (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.07; P = 0.30, I2 = 65%; 15 studies, 3932 children) or in child BMI z-score (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.03; P = 0.36, I2 = 0%; 17 studies; 4766 children). ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may decrease child weight (MD -0.23, 95% CI -0.49 to 0.03; P = 0.09, I2 = 0%; 9 studies, 2071 children) and risk of overweight and obesity (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.01; P = 0.07, I2 = 0%; 5 studies, 1070 children). ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may be cost-effective but the evidence is very uncertain (6 studies). ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may have little to no effect on adverse consequences but the evidence is very uncertain (3 studies). Few studies measured language and cognitive skills (n = 2), social/emotional outcomes (n = 2) and quality of life (n = 3). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may improve child diet quality slightly, but the evidence is very uncertain, and likely increase child fruit consumption slightly. There is uncertainty about the effect of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions on vegetable consumption. ECEC-based healthy eating interventions may result in little to no difference in child consumption of non-core foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. Healthy eating interventions could have favourable effects on child weight and risk of overweight and obesity, although there was little to no difference in BMI and BMI z-scores. Future studies exploring the impact of specific intervention components, and describing cost-effectiveness and adverse outcomes are needed to better understand how to maximise the impact of ECEC-based healthy eating interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Lin Yoong
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Melanie Lum
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Jacklyn Jackson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Courtney Barnes
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Alix E Hall
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Sam McCrabb
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Nicole Pearson
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Cassandra Lane
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Jannah Z Jones
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
| | - Lauren Dinour
- College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Therese McDonnell
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Debbie Booth
- Auchmuty Library, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Alice Grady
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia
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Esquivel MK, Aflague TF, Yamanaka AB, Guerrero RTL, Coleman P, Fialkowski MK, Shallcross L, Fleming T, Davis J, Boushey CJ, Wilkens LR, Braun K, Novotny R. Children's Dietary Intake by Early Care and Education Setting in the US Affiliated Pacific. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:437-446. [PMID: 37029080 PMCID: PMC10353568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine differences in dietary intake of children aged 2-5 years in early care and education (ECE) setting in the US Affiliated Pacific (USAP). DESIGN Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected by the Children's Healthy Living program. PARTICIPANTS Children (n = 1,423) with complete dietary records and information on the ECE setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dietary intake by ECE setting; Head Start (HS), other ECE (OE), and no ECE. ANALYSIS Comparison of mean dietary intake across ECE settings and multivariate logistic regression to evaluate ECE setting and likelihood for meeting dietary reference intake (DRI). RESULTS Children in HS and OE settings had a significantly higher intake of several food groups and nutrients, compared with no ECE; vegetables (0.4 cup-equivalents per thousand kcals [CETK] vs 0.3 CETK; P < 0.001), fruits (0.8 CETK vs 0.6 CETK; P = 0.001), milk (0.9 CETK for HS and 1.0 CETK for OE vs 0.8 CETK; P < 0.001). Sixty-five percent of the HS group met DRI and had greater odds of meeting calcium DRI (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.7) compared with other groups. The OE group had the lowest proportion of children meeting recommended intakes for 19 out of 25 nutrients. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Mean intakes of foods and nutrients for children across the USAP meet some, but not all, recommendations and intakes vary across children attending various ECE setting types. Additional research on the clinical importance of these differences and the impact of the complex food systems in the USAP may identify systematic strategies for improving diet among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Kazlausky Esquivel
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI.
| | - Tanisha F Aflague
- Consumer and Family Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
| | - Ashley B Yamanaka
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | | | - Patricia Coleman
- Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services, Northern Marianas College, Saipan, Marianas Pacific
| | - Marie Kainoa Fialkowski
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Leslie Shallcross
- Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Agriculture, Fairbanks, AK
| | - Travis Fleming
- Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources Division, American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, American Samoa
| | - James Davis
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI
| | - Carol J Boushey
- Nutrition Support Shared Resources, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Lynne R Wilkens
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Kathryn Braun
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
| | - Rachel Novotny
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
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11
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Payes RM, Chong C, Botsko C. Improving child care through healthy eating and physical activity. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:2-7. [PMID: 36301264 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Most young children in the United States spend a significant portion of their time in early care and education (ECE) settings, commonly known as child care. This review highlights recent literature to support a continued focus and increased investment in embedding nutrition and physical activity standards within ECE settings and systems as a critical strategy for child obesity prevention. Pediatricians can support the promotion of these standards by understanding their local child care settings and sharing information with families about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity in early childhood. RECENT FINDINGS The child care sector is fragile and complex, but quality improvement efforts have been successful in improving healthy eating and physical activity. Diverse child care providers, including family child care homes, can effectively embed nutrition and physical activity standards in their environments to promote healthy eating and active play, limit screen time, and support breastfeeding families. A small but growing body of evidence also demonstrates how these standards can be embedded in broader state systems to stimulate change across a state. SUMMARY The literature demonstrates progress supporting diverse child care settings to embed high-impact standards into their environments. There is a small but growing body of evidence around systems-change efforts as well. Greater attention is needed on embedding physical activity standards in facilities, especially family child care homes, and state systems.
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12
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Lee DL, Homel Vitale E, Marshall SKD, Hecht C, Beck LT, Ritchie LD. Child and Adult Care Food Program Participation Benefits, Barriers and Facilitators for Independent Child Care Centers in California. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214449. [PMID: 36364713 PMCID: PMC9654096 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursements for nutritious foods for children with low-income at participating child care sites in the United States. The CACFP is associated with improved child diet quality, health outcomes, and food security. However CACFP participation rates are declining. Independent child care centers make up a substantial portion of CACFP sites, yet little is known about their barriers to participation. Researcher-led focus groups and interviews were conducted in 2021–2022 with 16 CACFP-participating independent centers and 5 CACFP sponsors across California CACFP administrative regions to identify participation benefits, barriers, and facilitators. Transcripts were coded for themes using the grounded theory method. CACFP benefits include reimbursement for food, supporting communities with low incomes, and healthy food guidelines. Barriers include paperwork, administrative reviews, communication, inadequate reimbursement, staffing, nutrition standards, training needs, eligibility determination, technological challenges, and COVID-19-related staffing and supply-chain issues. Facilitators included improved communication, additional and improved training, nutrition standards and administrative review support, online forms, reduced and streamlined paperwork. Sponsored centers cited fewer barriers than un-sponsored centers, suggesting sponsors facilitate independent centers’ CACFP participation. CACFP participation barriers should be reduced to better support centers and improve nutrition and food security for families with low-income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Lee
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.L.); (L.D.R.); Tel.: +1-510-987-0735 (D.L.L.); +1-510-987-0523 (L.D.R.)
| | | | | | - Christina Hecht
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
| | - Lindsay T. Beck
- Nutrition & Food Services, University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lorrene D. Ritchie
- Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.L.); (L.D.R.); Tel.: +1-510-987-0735 (D.L.L.); +1-510-987-0523 (L.D.R.)
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13
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Thompson HG, Brady P, Delger P, Kersten S, Evans S, Daly E, Boudreau H, Baymon E, Kim Y, Askelson NM. How Home Child Care Providers Purchase, Prepare, and Serve Healthy Foods: In-Depth Interviews with Child and Adult Care Food Program Participants. Child Obes 2022; 18:507-513. [PMID: 35213249 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2021.0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Child care settings can enhance children's access and exposure to healthy foods through participation in The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which reimburses child care providers for purchasing healthy foods. To identify challenges and facilitators to CACFP participation, we carried out in-depth interviews with CACFP-participating home child care providers to discuss purchasing, preparing, and serving food under CACFP guidelines. Methods: We carried out 20 in-depth telephone interviews with CACFP-participating home child care providers. Transcribed interviews were coded to develop themes using a deductive approach. Results: Interviews indicated that food costs still burden CACFP-participating child care providers despite reimbursements. CACFP-participating providers who described prioritizing healthy foods and nutrition showed a greater inclination toward purchasing, preparing, and serving healthy foods to children. Conclusions: We offer recommendations for how to effectively support CACFP-participating providers in offering healthy food to their children within a food choice framework, a multilevel categorization of factors that influence food choice. Recommendations include increased reimbursement rates for food purchases under CACFP and support for peer-to-peer mentoring and health promotion programs targeting child care provider health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helaina G Thompson
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Patrick Brady
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Patti Delger
- Team Nutrition, Iowa Department of Education, Des Moines, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Sarah Kersten
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sydney Evans
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Eliza Daly
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hailey Boudreau
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Essence Baymon
- Winship Discovery Team in Clinical Research, Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yeaseul Kim
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Natoshia M Askelson
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Health Policy Research Program, University of Iowa Public Policy Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
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14
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Andreyeva T, Mozaffarian RS, Kenney EL. Updated Meal Patterns in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Changes in Quality of Food and Beverages Served: A Natural Experimental Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:3786. [PMID: 36145161 PMCID: PMC9505753 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
With diet-related chronic diseases being the largest contributors to U.S. morbidity and mortality, identifying population-level strategies to promote healthier diets is essential. Intervention during early childhood may be particularly important. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S. that supports serving meals and snacks in child care settings, reaches millions of U.S. children. Recent 2017 updates to CACFP's meal patterns were meant to improve the nutritional quality of food served through CACFP by providing more whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. In this study, we used a natural experimental, longitudinal study of child care centers participating in CACFP compared to nonparticipating centers to assess whether the quality of food and beverages served (per menu analysis) improved following the CACFP meal pattern changes. While we found that CACFP centers were more likely to meet several key nutrition standards in comparison to non-CACFP centers overall, there were no differences in menu quality from before to after the 2017 standards change between CACFP and non-CACFP centers. Nutrition standards for CACFP may need to be further strengthened with adequate financial and technical support given to child care programs for effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Andreyeva
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, One Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Mozaffarian
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erica L. Kenney
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 655 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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15
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Patlan K, Glenn ME, Connor P, Stidsen C, Olsho LEW, Witt MB, Gola AAH, Copeland KA. Foods Served in Child Care Programs Participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Alignment with Program Meal Patterns. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:610-620. [PMID: 35491380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) program compliance with meal component requirements for children aged 3-5 years by program type, and describe foods and beverages most commonly served. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of 1-week menu surveys during winter/spring 2017. SETTING US CACFP-participating child care programs. PARTICIPANTS Nationally representative multistage cluster sample of 664 programs: 222 child care centers, 247 Head Start programs, 195 family child care homes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Percentage of meals including required components; frequently served foods and beverages. ANALYSIS Mean percentages; 2-tailed t tests; alpha = 0.05 significance level. RESULTS Most breakfasts (97%), lunches (88%), and afternoon snacks (97%) included all required CACFP meal components. Most breakfasts included fruits (96%), but not vegetables; 16% included a meat/meat alternate. Most lunches (81%) included both fruits and vegetables. Afternoon snacks were mostly grains/breads (80%) and fruits (57%). Most frequently served foods included 1% unflavored milk and fresh fruits such as apples and bananas. Most menus limited juice, offered low-sugar cereal, and did not include flavored milk; very few menus included noncreditable foods with added sugar. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Most CACFP meals provided required components, but there is room for improvement, particularly for increasing vegetables served and limiting foods high in added sugar and fat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alice Ann H Gola
- US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, Alexandria, Virginia
| | - Kristen A Copeland
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Thorndike AN, Gardner CD, Kendrick KB, Seligman HK, Yaroch AL, Gomes AV, Ivy KN, Scarmo S, Cotwright CJ, Schwartz MB. Strengthening US Food Policies and Programs to Promote Equity in Nutrition Security: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2022; 145:e1077-e1093. [PMID: 35535604 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nutritionally inadequate dietary intake is a leading contributor to chronic cardiometabolic diseases. Differences in dietary quality contribute to socioeconomic and racial and ethnic health disparities. Food insecurity, a household-level social or economic condition of limited access to sufficient food, is a common cause of inadequate dietary intake. Although US food assistance policies and programs are designed to improve food security, there is growing consensus that they should have a broader focus on nutrition security. In this policy statement, we define nutrition security as an individual or household condition of having equitable and stable availability, access, affordability, and utilization of foods and beverages that promote well-being and prevent and treat disease. Despite existing policies and programs, significant gaps remain for achieving equity in nutrition security across the life span. We provide recommendations for expanding and improving current food assistance policies and programs to achieve nutrition security. These recommendations are guided by several overarching principles: emphasizing nutritional quality, improving reach, ensuring optimal utilization, improving coordination across programs, ensuring stability of access to programs across the life course, and ensuring equity and dignity for access and utilization. We suggest a critical next step will be to develop and implement national measures of nutrition security that can be added to the current US food security measures. Achieving equity in nutrition security will require coordinated and sustained efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. Future advocacy, innovation, and research will be needed to expand existing food assistance policies and programs and to develop and implement new policies and programs that will improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in chronic disease.
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17
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Andreyeva T, Sun X, Cannon M, Kenney EL. The Child and Adult Care Food Program: Barriers to Participation and Financial Implications of Underuse. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 54:327-334. [PMID: 34865970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess facilitators and barriers to participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and estimate foregone federal funds because of CACFP underuse. METHODS An online survey of food service practices and experiences with CACFP among Connecticut-based licensed child care centers (n = 231). RESULTS Serving meals and the center's nonprofit status predicted CACFP participation. The most common challenge among participants was collecting family income eligibility. Streamlining paperwork (mentioned by 44% of respondents) and funding for nonfood, administrative costs (40%) were recommended facilitators to increase CACFP uptake. Nonparticipating centers had limited knowledge about the program and its eligibility. Foregone federal funding due to CACFP underuse among eligible Connecticut centers was estimated at $30.7 million in 2019, suggesting that 20,300 young children from low-income areas missed out on CACFP-subsidized food. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Improving knowledge about CACFP and reducing participation burdens through additional funding and technical assistance can help expand the program to support child nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Andreyeva
- Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT.
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| | - Mackenzie Cannon
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT
| | - Erica L Kenney
- Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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18
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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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19
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Glenn ME, Patlan K, Connor P, Stidsen C, Ball S, Peterson KE, Olsho LEW, Gola AAH, Copeland KA. Dietary Intakes of Children Enrolled in US Early Child-Care Programs During Child-Care and Non-Child-Care Days. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021; 122:1141-1157.e3. [PMID: 34455104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.08.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-child-care (ECE) programs may substantially influence child diet quality. OBJECTIVE The Study of Nutrition and Activity in Child Care Settings describes the usual food group intake of preschool-aged children attending ECE programs relative to Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations, comparing intakes during child-care and non-child-care days. DESIGN Meal observations and parent-completed food diaries in a cross-sectional nationally representative multistage cluster sample of Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating ECE programs. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING One thousand four hundred sixty-eight children aged 3 to 5 years attending 217 Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating ECE programs (eg, child-care centers and Head Start) during 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Daily energy intake, daily US Department of Agriculture Food Pattern Food Group intakes, and percentage of daily intakes meeting 2015-2020 DGA Food Pattern recommendations. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Regression-adjusted usual intakes and percentage of children meeting recommendations were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Single-day mean intakes were used to test for statistical differences between child-care and non-child-care days. RESULTS Mean usual energy intake was 1,524 ± 19.3 kcal during child-care days and exceeded the recommended range at 1,702 ± 30.2 kcal during non-child-care days; single-day means indicated significantly lower energy intake on child-care days (P < 0.001). The percent of children meeting DGA recommendations on a child-care day varied by DGA food group: fruits (51.4%), grains (50.1%), dairy (42.5%), vegetables (6.5%), whole grains (4.6%), and protein foods (0.1%). Recommended limits on calories from added sugar and solid fats were met by 28.2% and 14.6% of children, respectively. Compared with mean food group intakes during a single child-care day, non-child-care day intakes were similar for fruits and vegetables, lower for dairy and whole grains, and higher for total grains, protein foods, and calories from added sugars and solid fats. CONCLUSIONS Although there is room to increase nutrient density inside and outside of child care, intakes on child-care days more closely align to DGAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patricia Connor
- Abt Associates, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Independent Child Nutrition Research Consultant, Massachusetts
| | - Chantal Stidsen
- Abt Associates, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Mathematica, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Ball
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Alice Ann H Gola
- US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, Alexandria, Virginia; Westat, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Kristen A Copeland
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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20
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Andreyeva T, Sun X, Cannon M, Kenney EL. Implementation of Minimum Nutrition Standards and Best Practices in Childcare Centers. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021; 121:2454-2463. [PMID: 34215563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursable meals to 4.6 million children annually and sets nutrition standards for foods served. Licensing regulations in many states extend these rules to nonparticipating programs. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of meals and snacks served in Connecticut licensed childcare centers in 2019 and assess implementation of a state licensing requirement to adhere to CACFP minimum nutrition standards in all centers. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Two hundred licensed childcare centers in Connecticut in 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Meal/snack quality was assessed based on menus. Foods/beverages listed were compared to the minimum CACFP nutrition standards and optional best practices. Surveys completed by center directors measured center characteristics. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Logistic and linear multivariable regression models tested differences in centers' adherence to nutrition standards and best practices by CACFP participation status. RESULTS CACFP centers complied with more required nutrition standards than non-CACFP centers (an adjusted mean of 4.7 vs 3.4 standards among programs serving meals, P < 0.001), with particularly large mean differences for whole grains and low-fat milk. Implementation of optional best practices, except for beverages, was relatively low among all centers, especially for snacks. Compliance (adjusted mean number of minimum nutrition standards met) was greater among centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and those using a registered dietitian or a sponsoring agency to prepare menus and receiving food from a vendor. Recent completion of nutrition training was associated with greater mean implementation of best practices. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Better adherence to minimum nutrition standards and best practices among CACFP-participating childcare centers contributed to higher nutritional quality of meals and snacks offered. Snack quality would benefit most from greater compliance with nutrition standards. Providers outside of CACFP need additional supports in the implementation of licensing regulations to improve the food environment for young children.
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