Quality of Nutrition Environments, Menus and Foods Served, and Food Program Achievement in Oklahoma Family Child Care Homes

Nutrients

Alicia L. Salvatore¹  Karla Finnell¹  Jennifer Graef-Downard²  Bethany D. Williams²  Emily L. Stinner²  Kathrin Eliot²  Susan B. Sisson²  Hope N. Hetrick²  Marny Dunlap³ 

[1] Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Stonewall Ave., AHB 3068, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA;Department of Pediatrics, Section of General and Community Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 Children’s Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;

关键词: family child care homes;    Child and Adult Care Food Program;    nutrition environments;    menu quality;    dietary intake;   

DOI  :  10.3390/nu13124483

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Child care environments foster children’s healthy eating habits by providing exposure to healthy foods and feeding practices. We assessed the healthfulness of nutrition environments, menu/meal quality, and the achievement of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines and best practices in Oklahoma CACFP-enrolled family child care homes (FCCHs) (n = 51). Two-day classroom observations were conducted. Healthfulness of classroom nutrition environments was assessed using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO). Foods served to and consumed by children were quantified using the Dietary Observations in Child Care (DOCC) tool. Nutrient analysis was performed to determine total energy for foods listed on menus, served to, and consumed by children. Menu and meal food variety and CACFP Guideline Achievement Scores were determined. Average nutrition environment score was 11.7 ± 1.2 (61.5% of maximum possible score). Energy (kcals) from menus and consumed by children was insufficient to meet two-thirds of their daily reference intake. Children were exposed to 1.7 vegetables and 1.3 fruits per meal. CACFP Guideline Achievement Scores were 66.3% ± 7.8 for menus and 59.3% ± 7.6 for mealtimes. Similar to previous research, our findings indicate a need for improved FCCH nutrition practices. Tailored interventions for FCCHs are needed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown