This study aims: (a) to inform the public health, policy and child care communities about the foods and beverages served to 3-5 year olds in licensed child care facilities in California, (b) to assess how well they meet the standards contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and (c) to develop policy recommendations based upon the research results. The study design includes a survey of licensed child care centers and homes in California, menu analysis of foods and beverages served to 3- to 5-year olds, and interviews with federal and state CACFP administrators. The study’s target population will include a diverse sample of licensed family day care homes and centers, including those serving ethnic minorities and groups of low socioeconomic status.
Start Date: September 2007
ID #: 63053
Principal Investigator: Kenneth Hecht, LLB
Organization: California Food Policy Advocates
Funding Round: Round 2
State: California
Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care/Preschool, Food service, Head Start, Nutrition standards, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Water
Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs
Resource Type: Grant Summary
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Age Group: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Related Research
June 2012
Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program is Associated with More Nutritious Foods and Beverages in Child Care
This article discusses the results of a study that compared foods and beverages served to 2- to 5-year-olds by type of child-care site and participation in the federally-funded Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Results from a statewide survey of California child-care providers suggest that CACFP child-care sites in general, and Head Start centers MoreMarch 2009
Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments in Licensed Child Care: A Statewide Assessment of California
This report summarizes the results of a survey assessing the nutrition and physical activity environments for 2- to 5-year old children in licensed child-care facilities in California, including child-care centers and homes, and state preschool and Head Start program sites. Researchers found that child-care sites that participated in the Child and Adult Care Food Program MoreDecember 2024