Caree J Cotwright1, Haley Bradley1, Nathalie Celestin1, Shani Drake2, Kim Love3, Leann Birch1. 1. 1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia , Athens, GA. 2. 2 Nutrition Services Division, Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning , Atlanta, GA. 3. 3 K.R. Love Quantitative Consulting and Collaboration , Athens, GA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The child care setting is a promising venue to establish healthy habits and promote obesity prevention. One major contributor to weight gain among young children is high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Increasing access to water and other healthy beverages is a viable strategy to reduce childhood obesity. The goal of our study was to investigate implementation of the beverage policies in child care programs in Georgia (GA) by Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation and program type. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A statewide survey was conducted using the GA Child Care Wellness Survey. A random sample of 3054 child care programs was obtained. Programs were stratified by six state regions to acquire a representative sample. RESULTS: A total of 974 surveys were returned. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents were enrolled in CACFP. Programs participating in CACFP (96%) were less likely to serve SSBs (x2(2) = 15.309, p < 0.001), than non-CACFP programs (90%). CACFP programs were more likely to serve low-fat or fat-free milk to 2-5-year olds than non-CACFP programs (87% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Family child care homes were significantly more likely to comply with serving only whole milk to 1 year olds (66%; p < 0.001) than other program types. All program types had low compliance with implementing water policies. CONCLUSIONS: Study outcomes provide vital information on the implementation of beverage policies that can inform beverage policy training, with the ultimate goal of reducing obesity risk and promoting healthier diets among preschool children in GA.
BACKGROUND: The child care setting is a promising venue to establish healthy habits and promote obesity prevention. One major contributor to weight gain among young children is high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Increasing access to water and other healthy beverages is a viable strategy to reduce childhood obesity. The goal of our study was to investigate implementation of the beverage policies in child care programs in Georgia (GA) by Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation and program type. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A statewide survey was conducted using the GA Child Care Wellness Survey. A random sample of 3054 child care programs was obtained. Programs were stratified by six state regions to acquire a representative sample. RESULTS: A total of 974 surveys were returned. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents were enrolled in CACFP. Programs participating in CACFP (96%) were less likely to serve SSBs (x2(2) = 15.309, p < 0.001), than non-CACFP programs (90%). CACFP programs were more likely to serve low-fat or fat-free milk to 2-5-year olds than non-CACFP programs (87% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Family child care homes were significantly more likely to comply with serving only whole milk to 1 year olds (66%; p < 0.001) than other program types. All program types had low compliance with implementing water policies. CONCLUSIONS: Study outcomes provide vital information on the implementation of beverage policies that can inform beverage policy training, with the ultimate goal of reducing obesity risk and promoting healthier diets among preschool children in GA.
Entities:
Keywords:
Child and Adult Care Food Program; beverages; child care; childhood obesity prevention; policy and education
Authors: Daniel A Zaltz; Amelie A Hecht; Russell R Pate; Brian Neelon; Jennifer R O'Neill; Sara E Benjamin-Neelon Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-06-05 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Dipti A Dev; Aileen S Garcia; David A Dzewaltowski; Susan Sisson; Lisa Franzen-Castle; Zainab Rida; Natalie A Williams; Carly Hillburn; Danae Dinkel; Deepa Srivastava; Christina Burger; Emily Hulse; Donnia Behrends; Natasha Frost Journal: Prev Med Rep Date: 2019-11-29