Published: March 2009

ID #: 63053

Publisher: California Food Policy Advocates, Samuels & Associates, and Center for Weight and Health

Authors: Hecht K, Chandran K, Samuels S, Crawford P, Ritchie L, Spector P

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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 (CACFP) generally served more healthful foods and beverages than non-CACFP sites, and generally had better physical activity environments. Head Start generally provided higher quality nutrition than all other child-care settings. Researchers also found that meals brought from home were of lower quality than meals provided by child-care sites. To conclude, the researchers identified opportunities, including public policy recommendations, for improving meal quality and physical activity for all child-care sites. A number of the policy recommendations already have been enacted in state (California AB 2084) and federal law (Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010).

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