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.
Published: December 2021
ID #: CAS023
Journal: J Nutr Educ Behav
Authors: Braun LM, Ward D, Hales D, Vaughn A, Erinosho T
Keywords: Child Care/Preschool, Neighborhood
Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Healthy Communities
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: National
Age Groups: Pregnant women, infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 2), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
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