National data show that preschool-age children in the U.S. do not eat the recommended amount of whole fruit and vegetables (FV). Child-care settings are an important place to influence children’s diets, since over 80 percent of preschool-age children receive care outside the home, and many children eat most of their meals while in child care. This study aimed to test two strategies to increase FV consumption in one Head Start preschool in Connecticut: 1) serving fruit, vegetables, and milk before the main meal (first course), and 2) serving fruits, vegetables, and milk before the main meal and removing the meats and grains from the table after the first serving (combination). Data were collected on the dietary intake of eighty-five children during lunch in five classrooms, three days per week, over a three-week period. The investigators found that the interventions led to significant increases in milk consumption, which was the only under-consumed meal component. FV consumption was at CACFP-recommended levels at baseline and remained consistent across the study conditions. The researchers conclude that these strategies should be tested with children who have lower baseline intake of FVs.
Published: October 2015
ID #: 66957
Journal: Child Obes
Authors: Schwartz MB, O’Connell M, Henderson KE, Middleton AE, Scarmo S
Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child Care/Preschool, Food service, Fruits and vegetables, Head Start
State: Connecticut
Focus Area: Early Childhood
Resource Type: Journal Article
Race/Ethnicity: Latino(a) or Hispanic, Multi-racial/ethnic
Age Group: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5)
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