Survey of Eating Environments and Policies in Head Start

Start Date: September 2007

ID #: 63042

Principal Investigator: Robert Whitaker, MD, MPH

Organization: Temple University

Funding Round: Round 2

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The aim of this study is to describe eating environments and policies in Head Start at the national level, examining their variation by program characteristics. In partnership with DHHS and USDA, this project will develop a survey to describe eating environments and policies in Head Start (including issues such as foods offered, use of nutrient-based standards, community and parent outreach, food service financing, staff training and technical assistance, barriers and facilitators to change), and administer this survey to all program directors nationwide. These data may inform decisions about program changes that might be feasible and effective for preventing obesity.

Age Groups: Adults and Families, Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)

Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care/Preschool, Community setting, Food service, Head Start, Home, Nutrition standards, Physical activity, Snacks

Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Nutrition Policy & Programs

Resource Type: Grant Summary

Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic

State: National

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