Improving Nutrition in Home Child Care: Are Food Costs a Barrier?

Published: February 2012

ID #: 63046

Journal: Public Health Nutr

Authors: Monsivais P, Johnson DB

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Improving the nutritional quality of foods served in child care may come at a higher cost according to a study of foods served in child-care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Researchers found that higher daily food expenditures were associated with higher total food energy and higher nutritional quality of menus. Food expenditures were strongly and positively associated with the number of portions of whole grains and fresh produce served, even after controlling for the total amount of food served.

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Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care/Preschool, Food service, Fruits and vegetables, Home, Snacks

Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs, Pricing & Economics

Resource Type: Journal Article

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic

Age Group: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)

State: Washington

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