Assessment of dietary intake of preschool children living in a homeless shelter.

Families with young children are the fastest-growing group among the homeless population. This study was undertaken by nursing students and faculty to learn more about what homeless preschool children were fed and what they ate at one family shelter in the Southwest. Results from the study were shared with the entire shelter staff. Mothers who participated in the study were given information on age-appropriate food preparation and servings. This research reveals the important role nurses can play in documenting and teaching both shelter staff and homeless mothers more about children's dietary needs and the long-term health outcomes of a proper diet. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company