scholarly journals Parents’ Knowledge and Perspectives About the New CACFP Meal Guidelines: A Qualitative Investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
Jayna Dave ◽  
Mamie White ◽  
Alexandra Castro
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Menu Planning ◽  
Child Day Care ◽  
Low Income Families

Abstract Objectives Child day care centers that serve low-income families may qualify to participate in the US Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and receive reimbursement for meals and snacks served. In 2017, day care sites were mandated to follow the new CACFP meal guidelines. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge and perspectives about the new CACFP meal guidelines among parents of children attending day care sites. Methods Individual interviews and focus groups with parents of children at CACFP day care sites in two Texas cities. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using using a modified version of focused coding and grounded theory methods. Themes and sub-themes were identified. Quantitative data were analyzed for frequencies and descriptives. Results A total of 54 parents participated via 29 individual interviews and 7 focus groups and completed questionnaires. All participants were females; majority were Hispanics and with income < $20,000, about 67% were aware of the new CACFP meal guidelines. Five major themes emerged: thoughts on menus and meals served at day care (sub-themes: overall menu, nutritional value, portion size, quality, variety of options), perceived child likability of foods served at day care, perceived child satiety, suggested changes to meals, and barriers to children eating meals at day care (sub-themes: time, child preferences). Conclusions This study helped identify thoughts and perceptions of parents of children attending CACFP day care. Issues identified should be systematically addressed and incorporated into CACFP menu planning at day care sites. Funding Sources NIH and USDA-ARS.

scholarly journals Assessing Challenges in Low-Income Families to Inform a Life Skills–Based Obesity Intervention

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 915-924
Author(s):  
Nivedita Bhushan ◽  
Maihan Vu ◽  
Randall Teal ◽  
Jessica Carda-Auten ◽  
Dianne Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Behavior Management ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Healthy Development ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Low Income Families

Background. This article describes the formative research undertaken to explore challenges of low-income parents of 3-to 5-year-olds to inform a parent-focused life skills–based intervention to prevent obesity in preschool-aged children. Method. A total of 40 parents completed surveys, 30 parents participated in focus groups, and 5 community stakeholders participated in individual interviews. In each data mode, participants were asked to prioritize a list of challenges centered on parenting, family care, and self-care. Survey data were analyzed descriptively using SAS, while focus groups and interviews were analyzed for emerging themes using ATLAS.ti. Results. Parents reported needing strategies for managing children’s behavior around picky eating, limits/boundaries, tantrums, and routines. Challenges with child behavior management were compounded by parents’ inability to find affordable fun family activities outside the home and difficulties in communicating childrearing expectations to coparents/relatives who assisted with child care. Added to these were other competing priorities (e.g., financial) that led to the neglect of self, including the inability to find “me” time, build relationships, and care for one’s health. Conclusions. Interventions that address parenting, family care and self-care challenges of low-income parents may enhance resilience and support positive changes that can promote healthy development in children, including obesity prevention.

Planting Seeds to Grow Healthy Children: Strategic Community Partnerships

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
Jessica Alicea-Planas ◽  
Kelly Sullivan ◽  
Hang Tran ◽  
Anna Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Community Partnerships ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Participant Satisfaction ◽  
Inner Cities ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Main Ideas

More than one third of U.S adults are considered obese, and childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Food security can influence obesity, in particular, within inner cities where access to healthy food is often limited. The use of a mobile food truck program (with refrigeration) was implemented in two large inner cities in Connecticut as part of an initiative aimed at helping low-income families with young children gain access to healthy food and nutrition education. Collaborating with community child care centers was used. The experiences of the families who participated in the program were assessed via focus groups. Main ideas derived from the focus groups were participant satisfaction with money saving suggestions, ideas for how to make healthier choices, and excitement about opportunities to receive foods that they would not normally buy. This innovative mobile food truck program demonstrated the value of strategic community partnerships to influence health.

scholarly journals Toddler Feeding Among Low-income Families Shows Need for Nutrition Education to Address Sweetened Beverages, Unhealthy Snacks, and Responsive Feeding (P11-108-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Fenn ◽  
Maria Romo-Palafox ◽  
Jennifer Harris ◽  
Valerie Duffy
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Urban City ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Targeted Messages ◽  
Unhealthy Snacks

Abstract Objectives To assess low-income parents’ understanding and conformity with expert guidance on feeding young toddlers and identify targeted messages to address gaps. Methods Survey of parents of toddlers (12-36 months) living in a low-income urban city to assess foods/beverages served in the previous week; responsive feeding practices; attitudes about expert guidance; food acculturation and security; and trusted information sources. Participants were recruited primarily from WIC offices and took the survey online. The survey was designed for a low reading level and pretested for understanding and content validity. Results Participants included 134 parents of diverse race/ethnicity (19% White non-Hispanic; 27% foreign born) and 83% WIC participants. Over 60% reported serving a variety of fruits/vegetable and serving them 5 or more times in the past week, 81% said their toddlers ate with the family, and 93% enjoyed mealtimes with their toddler. Yet some common practices did not follow recommendations. For example, 54% reported serving sweetened drinks to toddlers and 17% served sweetened milks. One-half served them in sippy cups for easy consumption and 63% in 8 + oz cups. The majority also served their toddler unhealthy snacks, including sweets (55%), salty snacks (52%) and crackers (78%). Nonresponsive feeding was also common. Only 13% reported that their child mostly/only decides how much to eat, and 55% reported that they make their child finish all food served sometimes/always. Most parents (68%) agreed that they knew best what to feed their child, but the majority also used health professionals and family as sources of nutrition information. The majority would be interested in getting information from doctors/nurses and dietitians, and would like to receive communications via email, handouts, in-person and/or texts. Although 81% used Facebook regularly, they were least interested in receiving health information through social media. Conclusions These results suggest that nutrition education messages focusing on healthier beverages and snacks for toddlers and responsive feeding would benefit low-income parents. Messages from health professionals, including dietitians, would be well-received. Funding Sources Child Health & Development Institute of Connecticut.

A picture book reading intervention in day care and home for children from low-income families.

1994 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grover J. Whitehurst ◽  
David S. Arnold ◽  
Jeffrey N. Epstein ◽  
Andrea L. Angell ◽  
et al
Keyword(s):  
Reading Intervention ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Book Reading ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Picture Book Reading

scholarly journals Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption and Lipid Profile in Brazilian Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 842-842
Author(s):  
Daniel Hoffman ◽  
Paula dos Leffa ◽  
Caroline Sangalli ◽  
Julia Valmórbida ◽  
Fernanda Rauber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
National Council ◽  
Processed Foods ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Low Income Families

Abstract Objectives The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) plays a role in the development of chronic diseases, but there is a limited number of studies targeting the association of its intake and risk of diseases in childhood. Our objective was to determine longitudinal trends of UPF intake and their impact on blood lipids in young children. Methods A longitudinal cohort study of children at 3 and 6 years of age from low-income families in southern Brazil was conducted. Dietary data were collected through two 24-h recalls and UPF consumption was assessed by NOVA, a classification of foods based on the degree and purpose of industrial food processing. At 6 years of age, blood tests were performed to measure total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess differences across tertiles of UPF consumption at age 3 years on lipid profile at age 6 years. Results Complete data were available for 308 children; of which, 52.0% were male. Regarding nutritional status, 18.0% of children at age 3 years and 18.4% at age 6 years were overweight. UPF represented a mean of 43% and 47% of the total energy intake at 3 and 6 years of age, respectively. The overall dietary contribution of UPF increased by 10% across three years of assessment. Higher UPF intake at age 3 years was associated with increased levels of total cholesterol (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1; β 8.51 mg/dL [95% CI 1.65 to 15.37]) and triglycerides (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1; β 9.69 mg/dL [(95% CI 0.97 to 18.42]) later at age 6 years. Conclusions An increase in UPF consumption was associated with poor lipid profile at age 6 years. The results of our study emphasize the need for innovative strategies to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially in early ages, to ensure lifelong health. Funding Sources Brazilian Ministry of Health, Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS), Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

scholarly journals Validation of a Digitally Displayed Photographic Food Portion Size Estimation Aid Among Women in Urban and Rural Malawi (P13-012-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Flax ◽  
Chrissie Thakwalakwa ◽  
Courtney Schnefke ◽  
Heather Stobaugh ◽  
John Phuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Size Estimation ◽  
Low Income Country ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Prepared Food ◽  
Portion Size Estimation

Abstract Objectives Easy-to-use tools to facilitate portion size estimation in low-income countries are needed. The objective of this study was to validate digitally displayed photographic portion size estimation aids (PSEAs) against a weighed meal record and compare findings with an atlas of printed photographic PSEAs and actual prepared food PSEAs in a low-income country. Methods In Blantyre and Chikwawa Districts, Malawi, we enrolled 300 women 18–45 years of age equally divided by urban/rural residence and years of education (≤4 years and >4 years). Participants served themselves water and five prepared foods, which were weighed separately before the meal and again after the meal to measure any leftovers. Participants returned the following day and completed a meal recall. They estimated the quantities of foods consumed three times using the different PSEAs in a randomized order. Results Responses for digital and printed PSEAs were highly correlated (>91% agreement for all foods, Cohen's κ = 0.78–0.93). Overall, digital and actual-food PSEAs had a similar level of agreement with the weighed meal record at the group level. The proportion of participants who estimated within 20% of the weighed grams of food consumed ranged by type of food from 30–45% for digital PSEAs and 40–56% for actual food PSEAs. Digital PSEAs consistently underestimated grams and nutrients across foods, whereas actual-food PSEAs provided a mix of under- and overestimates that balanced each other to produce accurate mean energy and nutrient intake estimates. Results did not differ by urban and rural location or participant education level. Conclusions Digital PSEAs require further testing in low-income settings to improve accuracy of estimations because they offer several logistical advantages over other PSEAs. Funding Sources RTI International.

scholarly journals Taste Is Everything: The Role of Sensory Evaluation in Nutrition Education for Low-Income Populations (OR13-04-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ginnefer Cox ◽  
Carla Moore ◽  
Jung Sun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Sensory Evaluation ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
University Of Georgia ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Hedonic Scale ◽  
The University

Abstract Objectives To measure acceptance of recipes taught and demonstrated through the University of Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) nutrition education curricula through sensory evaluation. Methods Sensory evaluation was conducted on seven newly developed recipes through the SNAP-Ed Food Talk: Farmer's Market curriculum and sixteen existing recipes through the EFNEP Food Talk curriculum. To evaluate acceptance of the recipes, SNAP-Ed and EFNEP program participants were provided with a nine-point hedonic scale with 1 being ‘dislike extremely’ and 9 being ‘like extremely.’ Program participants were asked to rate for overall liking (OL) of the recipe and liking of additional sensory attributes, including appearance, flavor, texture, saltiness, and sweetness. Recipes were prepared following standardized instructions for consistency of preparation and portion size. Results A total of 1438 SNAP-Ed and EFNEP participants (78% female, 66% African American) evaluated 7 newly developed recipes (n = 563) and 16 existing recipes (n = 872). The Curly Noodle Supreme (OL = 6.11, flavor = 5.58, texture = 6.56) and Cheesy Broccoli Soup (OL = 6.63, flavor = 6.51, texture – 6.64) had the lowest ratings from the 16 existing recipes. The Chicken Chili with White Beans (OL = 7.34, flavor = 7.11, texture = 7.31) and Vegetarian Tacos (OL = 7.28, flavor = 7.04, texture = 7.15) had the highest ratings from the 7 newly developed recipes. With standard range of acceptability for a recipe being 7.0 and higher in sensory evaluation, these ratings provide justification for the addition of newly developed recipes and modification or replacement of existing recipes into the SNAP-Ed and EFNEP nutrition education curricula. Conclusions The study findings suggest that sensory evaluation has the potential to contribute to the development, testing, and modification of recipes that are more responsive to the unique sensory preferences of low-income populations for nutrition education programs. Funding Sources USDA SNAP-Ed, USDA EFNEP.

scholarly journals Get Cookin’

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janelle Morris ◽  
Keiko Goto ◽  
Cindy Wolff ◽  
Stephanie Bianco ◽  
Aurelia Samonte
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Meal Planning ◽  
Eating Practices

Background and Purpose: Healthy eating practices have been associated with prevention of chronic diseases. There is limited information about strategies for healthy eating practices among families. The current study examined the effectiveness of Get Cookin’, a six-week intervention consisting of nutrition education and hands-on cooking and tasting activities among low-income families. Methods: Lowincome adults participated in Get Cookin’, a six-week intervention consisting of nutrition education and hands-on cooking activities. Ninety-six participants completed a retrospective survey which examined their meal planning, budgeting and cooking behaviors, as well as fruit and vegetable consumption. Thirteen graduates of the program participated in focus groups. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to examine pre-to-post changes. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in meal planning and budgeting skills. They started cooking meals at home more frequently and increased consumption and variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Focus groups revealed that participants shared cooking and nutrition information and skills learned with their families. Additionally, participants with diverse backgrounds gained a sense of empowerment to overcome personal challenges to make healthy choices. Conclusions: Nutrition education, combined with cooking and tasting activities, appears to have a positive impact on healthy behaviors among low-income families. Further research with a control group would be needed to more definitively understand the effectiveness of the Get Cookin’ intervention.

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