Published: October 2015

ID #: 66957

Journal: Child Obes

Authors: Schwartz MB, O’Connell M, Henderson KE, Middleton AE, Scarmo S

See more related research

Share


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.

Related Research

November 2009

Testing Modifications in Child-Care Settings to Promote Nutritional Quality in the Context of Food Insecurity

The combination of obesity amidst food insecurity presents unique challenges to improving nutrition and feeding policies in institutions serving children. The aim of this study is to evaluate child care nutrition and feeding policies designed to decrease excess caloric consumption in the context of food insecurity and obesity. In this project, three intervention strategies will More

July 2026

Forecasting WIC Funding Needs: Supporting Families, Strengthening Access

In partnership with Westat and with support from Healthy Eating Research, the National WIC Association (NWA) developed a new forecasting model to project funding needs of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for Fiscal Year 2027. Report This report describes the model development, including methodology, as well as analysis conducted More

May 2026

A Pediatric Perspective on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines

Clear, evidence-based guidance on what foods and beverages children and adolescents should consume—and in what amounts—is foundational for promoting healthy growth and preventing diet-related chronic disease across the life course. Yet many children and adolescents in the US continue to have diets of poor nutritional quality. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), issued every 5 More