Published: October 2015

ID #: 66957

Journal: Child Obes

Authors: Schwartz MB, O’Connell M, Henderson KE, Middleton AE, Scarmo S

See more related research

Share


National data show that preschool-age children in the U.S. do not eat the recommended amount of whole fruit and vegetables (FV). Child-care settings are an important place to influence children’s diets, since over 80 percent of preschool-age children receive care outside the home, and many children eat most of their meals while in child care. This study aimed to test two strategies to increase FV consumption in one Head Start preschool in Connecticut: 1) serving fruit, vegetables, and milk before the main meal (first course), and 2) serving fruits, vegetables, and milk before the main meal and removing the meats and grains from the table after the first serving (combination). Data were collected on the dietary intake of eighty-five children during lunch in five classrooms, three days per week, over a three-week period. The investigators found that the interventions led to significant increases in milk consumption, which was the only under-consumed meal component. FV consumption was at CACFP-recommended levels at baseline and remained consistent across the study conditions. The researchers conclude that these strategies should be tested with children who have lower baseline intake of FVs.

Related Research

November 2009

Testing Modifications in Child-Care Settings to Promote Nutritional Quality in the Context of Food Insecurity

The combination of obesity amidst food insecurity presents unique challenges to improving nutrition and feeding policies in institutions serving children. The aim of this study is to evaluate child care nutrition and feeding policies designed to decrease excess caloric consumption in the context of food insecurity and obesity. In this project, three intervention strategies will More

May 2026

A Pediatric Perspective on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines

Clear, evidence-based guidance on what foods and beverages children and adolescents should consume—and in what amounts—is foundational for promoting healthy growth and preventing diet-related chronic disease across the life course. Yet many children and adolescents in the US continue to have diets of poor nutritional quality. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), issued every 5 More

April 2026

Policy Priorities and Research Needs for Advancing Healthy Eating: A 2026-2027 Research Agenda for U.S. Children and Adolescents

Given recent changes to nutrition policies and programs and the food environment landscape, the need for new evidence on how these changes impact nutrition, health, and food access is greater than ever. HER has also published a research agenda intended to provide a blueprint for immediate (i.e., 12-18 month) research needs to inform strategies to More