Published: December 2021

ID #: CAS023

Journal: J Nutr Educ Behav

Authors: Braun LM, Ward D, Hales D, Vaughn A, Erinosho T

See more related research

Share


This study aimed to examine how food environments around family child care homes (FCCHs) are associated with the healthfulness of foods served to children. The study included cross-sectional data from a mail survey of 132 Mississippi FCCHs. Rural FCCHs with higher counts of supermarkets, convenience stores, and produce stores had lower compliance with selected best practices (fried/prefried potatoes, high-sugar/high-fat foods). Urban FCCHs with more supermarkets had higher compliance with fruit not canned in syrup; those with more small-medium grocery stores and convenience stores had lower compliance with selected best practices (fried/prefried potatoes, vegetables, low-fat meats). Food environment measures were associated with some nutrition best practices, though not consistently in the expected direction. Future research could examine food quality at stores near rural FCCHs. Programs that improve local food environments may improve foods served at FCCHs.

Related Research

May 2018

Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program Is Associated with Healthier Nutrition Environments at Family Child Care Homes in Mississippi

This study describes the foods and beverages offered, nutrition practices, and nutrition policies of family child care homes in Mississippi and differences by participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). A random sample of family child care homes that enroll 3- to 5-year-olds in Mississippi were examined through a self-report tool. Foods More

June 2015

Assessing Policies, Practices, and the Built Environment in and Around Family Child Care Homes in Mississippi

In Mississippi, about one-third of children under six years old are cared for in Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs). The purposes of this study are to: 1) assess the nutrition and physical activity practices and policies of FCCHs in Mississippi; 2) explore whether these policies differ by geographic region (rural vs. urban) and participation in More

April 2024

Height and Weight Measurement and Communication With Families in Head Start: Developing a Toolkit and Establishing Best Practices

Head start (HS) programs are required to collect children’s height and weight data. Programs also communicate these results to families. However, no standardized protocol exists to guide measurements or communicate results. The purpose of this article was to describe the development of a measurement toolkit and best practices for communication. HS programs contributed to the More