In April 2012, South Carolina enacted 13 nutrition standards for child-care centers serving lower-income children throughout the state. This study evaluated consistency with the standards before and after the policy took effect using North Carolina, a state not making policy changes, as the comparison. Researchers recorded foods and beverages served to children and documented the food environments of centers in both states at baseline and follow-up. Compared with North Carolina, centers in South Carolina were more likely to be consistent with the standard prohibiting the use of food as a reward or punishment. Two centers in South Carolina met all 13 standards at follow-up compared with none in North Carolina. The new standards modestly improved nutrition practices in South Carolina child-care centers, but additional support is needed to bring all centers into compliance with the current policies.
Comparative Evaluation of a South Carolina Policy to Improve Nutrition in Child Care
Published: January 2016
ID #: 69551
Journal: J Acad Nutr Diet
Authors: Benajmin Neelon SE, Mayhew M, O’Neill JR, Neelon B, Li F, Pate RR
Focus Area: Early Childhood
Age Group: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Keywords: Child Care/Preschool, Fruits and vegetables, Nutrition standards, Snacks, Sugar-sweetened beverages
States: North Carolina, South Carolina
Related Research
November 2011
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mandatory State Nutrition Standards for Child-Care Programs
The preschool period is a critical time for growth and development, and healthy eating at this age can help prevent later obesity. Despite the large number of children attending center-based child care, current state policies to combat obesity in child care are inadequate. South Carolina is on the verge of … More
March 2020
Toddler Drink Marketing: Opportunities to Address Harmful Practices
Toddler drinks are a relatively new product category, typically offered by infant formula manufacturers and promoted as beneficial for young children ages 12 months and older. Marketing promotes these drinks as the “next step” after infant formula, using claims that imply unproven benefits for children’s nutrition and health. However, these drinks … More
February 2020
Improving the actionable research base for health equity in breastfeeding by assessing an intervention to increase rates in minority populations
Breastfeeding equity is a critical component of nutrition-related equity. Breastfeeding rates in the United States are strongly correlated with poverty and race. Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices (CHAMPS) is a multi-sectoral, policy, system, and environmental initiative which has significantly increased breastfeeding rates among black populations. CHAMPS was launched in … More