scholarly journals Child Consumption of Whole Fruit and Fruit Juice Following Six Months of Exposure to a Pediatric Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Saxe-Custack ◽  
Jenny LaChance ◽  
Mona Hanna-Attisha
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Fruit Juice ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Office Visit ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Minority Children ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Low Income Children

Public health recommendations suggest limiting child consumption of fruit juice in favor of whole fruit due to juice’s high sugar content, lack of fruit fiber, and potential for excess intake. However, replacing juice with whole fruit may be particularly challenging for low-income and minority children, who report the highest intake of 100% juice. To address access and affordability challenges among low-income children, researchers partnered with pediatricians in an urban food desert community, to introduce a fruit and vegetable prescription program (FVPP) that provided a $15 prescription for fresh produce to every child during each office visit. Participating vendors included a farmers’ market and local mobile market. This study assessed changes in daily consumption of total fruit and whole fruit among 108 pediatric patients following six months of exposure to the FVPP. Child-reported mean daily intake of whole fruit increased significantly from the baseline to the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.03): 44% of children reported an increased intake of at least ¼ cup per day, and 30% reported an increased intake of at least ½ cup per day. Changes in total fruit intake (including fruit juice) were not significant. Results suggest a pediatric FVPP may have meaningful impacts on children’s dietary behaviors, particularly with regard to the intake of whole fruits.

Total Sugar in Free Breakfasts Served in Virginia Elementary Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha J. Goel ◽  
Laura J. Caccavale ◽  
Suzanne E. Mazzeo ◽  
Hollie A. Raynor ◽  
Melanie K. Bean
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Schools ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruit Juice ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Total Sugar ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
School Breakfast Program ◽  
Low Income Children

Objective: School meals comprise a significant amount of children's overall dietary intake. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act made substantial improvements to the nutritional quality of meals served within the School Breakfast Program (SBP); yet, there are limited guidelines regarding sugar. In this study, we carried out a systematic evaluation of the sugar content of breakfast items offered within the SBP in Virginia elementary schools with free meals. Methods: We obtained menus and nutritional information from 32 districts, and examined one week of breakfasts. We categorized entrées based on standard deviations (SD) from the grand mean total sugar available: higher-sugar (>+1 SD), average-sugar (within 1SD), or lower-sugar (>-1 SD). Total sugar (g), energy (kcal), and % energy from sugar were examined for entrées and milk. Results: Across districts, entrées varied in total sugar (0-39g; mean+SD = 10.4±4.5g) and energy (60-530kcal; mean+SD = 205±47.8kcal). Most (96.9%) offered 100% fruit juice; of those that specified, 50.0% offered sugar-sweetened milk. Highly processed foods were prevalent. Conclusion: Findings suggest that meals offered might contribute to excessive overall sugar availability for children. Continued enhancements to the SBP are needed to optimize the nutritional content of meals served to low-income children.

Nutritional value and health benefits of horticulture.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Bodily Function ◽  
Functional Components

Abstract Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables is encouraged as important for human health and nutrition because the vitamins, minerals, essential micronutrients, fibre, vegetable proteins and bio-functional components they provide are crucial for bodily function. The FAO/WHO expert consultation (2004) on diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases recommended a daily intake of 400 g (five portions) of fruits and vegetables (excluding potatoes and other starchy tubers) to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. However, despite this recognition, world-wide per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables is estimated to be 20-50% short of the minimum recommended level. In 2013 an estimated 5.2 million deaths worldwide were attributable to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Adhering to the WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake can prevent morbidity and mortality caused by micronutrient deficiencies, birth defects, mental and physical retardation, weakened immune systems, blindness and even death. Improving the dietary diversity through horticulture-based food intake is an effective and sustainable approach to combating micronutrient malnutrition in both developed and developing countries (Kennedy et al., 2003).

scholarly journals Caregiver perceptions of a fruit and vegetable prescription programme for low-income paediatric patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 2497-2506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Saxe-Custack ◽  
Heather Claire Lofton ◽  
Mona Hanna-Attisha ◽  
Colleen Victor ◽  
Gwendolyn Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Perceived Impact

AbstractObjectiveThe physical and social environments that surround children should support good health. However, challenges with food security and access prevent many children from consuming a healthy diet, which is critical to proper growth and development. The present study sought to gain a better understanding of primary care initiatives to address these issues in a low-income setting.DesignFollowing the relocation of a paediatric clinic to a farmers’ market building and the implementation of a fruit and vegetable prescription programme, researchers conducted thirty-two semi-structured interviews with caregivers. Researchers elicited caregivers’ perceptions of clinic co-location with the farmers’ market; experiences with the prescription programme; opinions of the farmers’ market; and perceived impact on child consumption of fresh produce. Interview recordings were transcribed for textual analysis. Using thematic analysis, researchers examined qualitative data to identify patterns across transcripts and formulate emerging themes. Researchers concluded when data saturation was reached.SettingFlint, Michigan, USA.SubjectsThe majority of participants were female (91 %) and African American (53 %).ResultsFour recurrent themes emerged during interviews: (i) convenience of relocation; (ii) attitude towards prescription programme; (iii) challenges with implementation; and (iv) perceived impact of combined interventions. Caregivers indicated that the co-location and prescription programme increased family shopping at the farmers’ market, improved access to high-quality produce and improved food security.ConclusionsA fruit and vegetable prescription programme involving a partnership between a farmers’ market and paediatric clinic was perceived as effective in improving food security, food access and child consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

scholarly journals Fruit and Vegetable Prescriptions for Pediatric Patients Living in Flint, Michigan: A Cross-Sectional Study of Food Security and Dietary Patterns at Baseline

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Saxe-Custack ◽  
Jenny LaChance ◽  
Mona Hanna-Attisha ◽  
Tiffany Ceja
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Maintenance

Though fruit and vegetable consumption is essential for disease prevention and health maintenance, intake among children fails to meet dietary recommendations. Limited access to and the affordability of fresh produce, particularly among low-income youth, are barriers to adequate intake. To address these challenges, researchers and pediatricians in Flint, Michigan, expanded a successful fruit and vegetable prescription program that provides one $15 prescription for fresh fruits and vegetables to every child at every office visit. Vendors include the downtown farmers’ market and a local mobile market. This study describes baseline characteristics, dietary patterns, food access, and food security among 261 caregiver–child dyads enrolled August 2018–March 2019. The child-reported mean daily intake of vegetables (0.72 cups ± 0.77), dairy products (1.33 cups ± 1.22), and whole grains (0.51 ounces ± 0.49) were well below recommendations. Furthermore, 53% of children and 49% of caregivers who completed the food security module indicated low or very low food security. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the child consumption of fruits and vegetables between households that reported high versus low food security (p > 0.05). Results validate and raise deep concerns about poor dietary patterns and food insecurity issues facing Flint children, many of whom continue to battle with an ongoing drinking water crisis. Additional poverty-mitigating efforts, such as fruit and vegetable prescription programs, are necessary to address these gaps.

scholarly journals Attitudes Toward Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Farmers' Market Usage Among Low-Income North Carolinians

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia A. Leone ◽  
Diane Beth ◽  
Scott B. Ickes ◽  
Kathleen MacGuire ◽  
Erica Nelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
North Carolinians

scholarly journals Role of fruit juice in achieving the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetable intake

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (11) ◽  
pp. 829-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Benton ◽  
Hayley A Young
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Juice ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Limited Success ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Reduced Rate

Abstract Although there is strong evidence that consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a reduced rate of all-cause mortality, only a minority of the population consumes 5 servings a day, and campaigns to increase intake have had limited success. This review examines whether encouraging the consumption of fruit juice might offer a step toward the 5-a-day target. Reasons given for not consuming whole fruit involve practicalities, inconvenience, and the effort required. Psychologically, what is important is not only basic information about health, but how individuals interpret their ability to implement that information. It has been argued that fruit juice avoids the problems that commonly prevent fruit consumption and thus provides a practical means of increasing intake and benefitting health through an approach with which the population can readily engage. Those arguing against consuming fruit juice emphasize that it is a source of sugar lacking fiber, yet juice provides nutrients such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols that offer health-related benefits. Actively encouraging the daily consumption of fruit juice in public health policy could help populations achieve the 5-a-day recommendation for fruit and vegetable intake.

scholarly journals Family Perceptions of a Cooking and Nutrition Program for Low-Income Children and Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2198952
Author(s):  
Amy Saxe-Custack ◽  
Mallory Goldsworthy ◽  
Heather Claire Lofton ◽  
Mona Hanna-Attisha ◽  
Onyinye Nweke
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Food Acceptance ◽  
Low Income Children ◽  
Program Success ◽  
Family Perceptions

Background. Flint Kids Cook, a nutrition and culinary program for children and adolescents, was created in October 2017 to address health concerns among youth and families in a low-income, urban community. In this study, researchers examined family experiences with the 6-week, chef-led program, which was taught in a farmers’ market kitchen. Methods. At the conclusion of each session, researchers used an open-ended focus group format to assess program experiences, perceived impact on youth self-efficacy for cooking and healthy eating, and caregiver support. This qualitative study was guided by thematic analysis. Results. Between November 2017 and December 2018, 72 caregivers (n = 38) and students (n = 34) participated in separate focus groups. Caregivers were primarily female (74%) and African American (71%). Most students were African American (76%) and half were female. Recurrent themes included food acceptance, dietary modifications, confidence in the kitchen, and program design. Caregivers and students agreed that location and design of the program alongside facilitation by an experienced chef were important factors for program success. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that a chef-led healthy cooking program for youth was effective in improving perceived food acceptance, dietary habits, and confidence in the kitchen. The program could be modeled in similar communities to address diet and health of children and adolescents.

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