scholarly journals Increasing Food Expenditure in Long Day-Care by an Extra $0.50 Per Child/Day Would Improve Core Food Group Provision

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 968
Author(s):  
Ros Sambell ◽  
Ruth Wallace ◽  
Johnny Lo ◽  
Leesa Costello ◽  
Amanda Devine

Early childhood education and care services are a significant feature of Australian family life, where nearly 1.4 million children attended a service in 2019. This paper reports on the cost of food provided to children in long day-care (LDC) services and extrapolates expenditure recommendations to support food provision compliance. A cross-sectional audit of LDC services in metropolitan Perth was conducted to determine food group provision by weighing raw ingredients of meal preparation—morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea (MT, L, AT). Ingredients were costed at 2017 online metropolitan pricing from a large supermarket chain. Across participating services, 2 days of food expenditure per child/day ranged between $1.17 and $4.03 across MT, L, AT, and averaged $2.00 per child/day. Multivariable analysis suggests that an increase of $0.50 per child/day increases the odds of a LDC service meeting >50% of Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG) recommendations across ≥4 core food groups by fourfold (p = 0.03). Given the fact that the literature regarding food expenditure at LDC services is limited, this study provides information about food expenditure variation that impacts planning and provision of nutritionally balanced menus recommended for children. An average increase of food expenditure of $0.50 per child/day would increase food provision compliance.

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 2634-2642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucinda K Bell ◽  
Gilly A Hendrie ◽  
Jo Hartley ◽  
Rebecca K Golley

AbstractObjectiveEarly childhood settings are promising avenues to intervene to improve children’s nutrition. Previous research has shown that a nutrition award scheme, Start Right – Eat Right (SRER), improves long day care centre policies, menus and eating environments. Whether this translates into improvements in children’s dietary intake is unknown. The present study aimed to determine whether SRER improves children’s food and nutrient intakes.DesignPre–post cohort study.SettingTwenty long day care centres in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.SubjectsChildren aged 2–4 years (n 236 at baseline, n 232 at follow-up).MethodsDietary intake (morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea) was assessed pre- and post-SRER implementation using the plate wastage method. Centre nutrition policies, menus and environments were evaluated as measures of intervention fidelity. Comparisons between baseline and follow-up were made using t tests.ResultsAt follow-up, 80 % of centres were fully compliant with the SRER award criteria, indicating high scheme implementation and adoption. Intake increased for all core food groups (range: 0·2–0·4 servings/d, P<0·001) except for vegetable intake. Energy intake increased and improvements in intakes of eleven out of the nineteen nutrients evaluated were observed.ConclusionsSRER is effective in improving children’s food and nutrient intakes at a critical time point when dietary habits and preferences are established and can inform future public health nutrition interventions in this setting.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 2011-2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannicke B Myhre ◽  
Elin B Løken ◽  
Margareta Wandel ◽  
Lene F Andersen

AbstractObjectiveTo study how different meals contribute to intakes of fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains in a group of Norwegian adults and in subgroups of this population. Moreover, to investigate the consequences of skipping the meal contributing most to the intake of each food group (main contributing meal).DesignCross-sectional dietary survey in Norwegian adults. Dietary data were collected using two non-consecutive telephone-administered 24 h recalls. The recorded meal types were breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper/evening meal and snacks.SettingNationwide, Norway (2010–2011).SubjectsAdults aged 18–70 years (n 1787).ResultsDinner was the main contributing meal for fish and vegetables, while snacks were the main contributing meal for fruit intake. For whole grains, breakfast was the main contributing meal. The main contributing meal did not change for any of the food groups when studying subgroups of the participants according to intake of each food group, educational level or age. A substantially lower intake of the food groups in question was found on days when the main contributing meal was skipped.ConclusionsIntakes of fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains largely depend on one meal type. Inclusion of these foods in other meals in addition to the main contributing meal, preferably replacing energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, should be promoted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Winnifred Ekua Baidoe ◽  
Mark Kwame Ananga ◽  
Elorm Kwame Nyinaku

Background. For most people in developing countries, street food is a major source of sustenance, and Ghana is no exception. Street food vending has seen tremendous growth in Ghana as a result of the insurgence of urbanisation. Despite being one of the largest sectors of national economy in terms of employment and sales of food, very little is known about street food consumption patterns in Ghana. The current study explored the patterns and extent of street food consumption in the Hohoe township. Methods. A cross-sectional design which recruited 403 subjects through a multistage sampling technique. A semistructured questionnaire was used to gather information on demographics, types of street foods, extent of street food consumption, safety concerns, and diversity of street foods patronised. Means, standard deviations, and Chi-square tests were used to determine the association between selected variables at <0.05 level of significance. Results. The top 5 foods mostly patronised by respondents are porridge foods-Koko (17.9%), rice and stew (17.4%), banku (12.6%), waakye (11.5%), and kenkey (8.7%) with porridge foods consumed almost on a daily basis. Convenience (37.2%) and affordability (17.1%) greatly influenced the choice of street foods among consumers. Occupation and the level of education are strongly correlated with the concern for safety of street foods {(X2 = 17.3094, P<0.008); (X2 = 17.1731, P<0.002)}. The dietary diversity score of most respondents was in the high tercile (77.7%) (≥6 food groups), whilst the cereals dominate the food group mostly consumed by respondents. Conclusion. The study suggests that patronising street food is very high in Hohoe municipality, irrespective of the gender, occupation, or educational level. As an “informal” sector of food business, street foods often escape formal inspection and control. They can, therefore, both be the source of food safety problems and contribute to the deterioration of environmental hygiene. This is a call on policy makers and regulators to take a critical look at the sector.


2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (11) ◽  
pp. 2985-2993
Author(s):  
Joanne F Guthrie ◽  
Andrea S Anater ◽  
Joel C Hampton ◽  
Diane J Catellier ◽  
Alison L Eldridge ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background In 2009 the USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) updated the food packages provided to participants. Objectives This study investigates associations between WIC participation and nutrients and food groups consumed using data from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study's 2008 and 2016 nationwide, cross-sectional surveys of children &lt;4 y, weighted to be representative of the US population. Methods The study data included 2892 children aged 6–47.9 mo in 2008 and 2635 in 2016. Differences were analyzed by WIC participation, survey year, and child age (infants 6–11.9 mo old, toddlers 12–23.9 mo old, preschoolers 24–47.9 mo old). Usual nutrient intake distributions were estimated using National Cancer Institute methodology. Daily food group consumption differences were tested via multivariate regression. All analyses controlled for income. Results In 2016 18.6% of infants had iron intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR), compared to 7.6% in 2008; 87% of WIC infants met the EAR, compared with 69% of non-WIC infants. In 2016 37% of WIC preschoolers met saturated fat guidelines, compared with 25% in 2008; in both years, fewer than one-third of non-WIC preschoolers met the guidelines. More WIC infants than non-WIC infants consumed infant cereals in 2016 (58% compared with 45%, respectively). More WIC infants ate vegetables daily in 2016 than in 2008 (74% compared with 59%, respectively).  In 2016, as compared with 2008, more WIC infants consumed baby-food vegetables (55% compared with 29%, respectively) and fruits (56% compared with 41%, respectively). In 2016 47% of WIC preschoolers drank low-fat milk, compared with 19% of non-WIC preschoolers. Conclusions Infant iron intakes are concerning, although more WIC infants meet the EAR. WIC infants’ vegetable intakes have improved; baby-food vegetables have become important contributors to their intakes. In 2016 WIC children were more likely than non-WIC children to shift to lower-fat milks at 2 y of age, likely contributing to lower saturated fat intakes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (11) ◽  
pp. 1929-1940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Rüttgers ◽  
Karina Fischer ◽  
Manja Koch ◽  
Wolfgang Lieb ◽  
Hans-Peter Müller ◽  
...  

AbstractExcess accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a known risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases; further, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) and the ratio of both (VAT:SAAT ratio) have been discussed as potentially detrimental. Information about the association between diet and adipose tissue is scarce. This study aimed to identify food group intake associated with VAT and SAAT and the VAT:SAAT ratio in a Northern German population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 344 men and 241 women who underwent an MRI to quantify total volumes of VAT and SAAT. Intake of fourteen food groups was assessed with a self-administered 112-item FFQ. Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, energy intake, physical activity, intake of other food groups and mutual adjustment for VAT and SAAT were calculated to analyse the associations between standardised food group intake and VAT and SAAT, or the VAT:SAAT ratio. Intakes of potatoes (P=0·043) and cakes (P=0·003) were positively and inversely, respectively, associated with both VAT and SAAT. By contrast, intake of cereals was negatively associated with VAT (P=0·045) only, whereas intakes of eggs (P=0·006) and non-alcoholic beverages (P=0·042) were positively associated with SAAT only. The association between eggs and non-alcoholic beverages with SAAT remained significant after further consideration of VAT. Intake of non-alcoholic beverages was also inversely associated with the VAT:SAAT ratio (P=0·001). Our analysis adds to the evidence that intake of foods is independently associated with VAT or SAAT volumes.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Therese A O’Sullivan ◽  
Monique Robinson ◽  
Garth E Kendall ◽  
Margaret Miller ◽  
Peter Jacoby ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveBreakfast consumption has been associated with better mental health in adulthood, but the relationship between breakfast and mental health in adolescence is less well known. The aims of the present study were to evaluate breakfast quality in a cohort of adolescents and to investigate associations with mental health.DesignCross-sectional population-based study. Breakfast quality was assessed by intake of core food groups at breakfast, as determined from 3 d food diaries. Mental health was assessed using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), with higher scores representing poorer behaviour.SettingThe Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, Perth, Western Australia.SubjectsEight hundred and thirty-six males and females aged between 13 and 15 years.ResultsMean mental health score as assessed by the CBCL was 45·24 (sd11·29). A high-quality breakfast consisting of at least three food groups was consumed by 11 % of adolescents, while 7 % of adolescents did not consume any items from core food groups on average over the 3 d period. The two most common core food groups consumed at breakfast in this population were dairy products followed by breads and cereals. For every additional food group eaten at breakfast, the associated total mental health score decreased by 1·66 (95 % CI −2·74, −0·59) after adjustment for potential confounding factors, representing an improvement in mental health score.ConclusionThese findings support the concept that breakfast quality is an important component in the complex interaction between lifestyle factors and mental health in early adolescence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2011-2023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keiko Asakura ◽  
Ken Uechi ◽  
Shizuko Masayasu ◽  
Satoshi Sasaki

AbstractObjectiveGlobally, the Na consumption of most people exceeds the WHO recommendation. To be effective, salt reduction programmes require assessment of the dietary sources of Na. Due to methodological difficulties however, comprehensive assessments are rare. Here, we identified Na sources in the Japanese diet using a 4 d diet record that was specifically designed for Na source description.DesignA cross-sectional study.SubjectsApparently healthy men (n 196) and women (n 196) aged 20–69 years.SettingThe subjects were recruited from twenty-three of forty-seven prefectures in Japan.ResultsThe proportion of discretionary Na intake in total Na intake was 52·3 % in men and 57·1 % in women, and was significantly lower in younger subjects. The two major food groups contributing to Na intake were seasonings such as salt or soya sauce (61·7 % of total Na intake in men, 62·9 % in women) and fish and shellfish (6·7 % in men, 6·6 % in women). The third major contributor differed between men and women (noodles in men, 4·9 %; bread in women, 5·0 %). Further, the contribution of each food group to total Na intake differed among age groups.ConclusionsWhile individual efforts to decrease Na intake remain important, population approaches to reducing Na content in processed foods are already equally important and will assume greater importance in the future even in Japan, an Asian country facing a rapid Westernization in dietary habits.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e045136
Author(s):  
Shabnam Kashef ◽  
Dorota Zarnowiecki ◽  
Victoria Brown ◽  
Jennifer C Arguelles ◽  
David N Cox ◽  
...  

IntroductionGlobally, children are not meeting the recommended serves of the five food group foods, particularly vegetables. Childcare is an opportune setting to improve children’s diet quality. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a menu box delivery service tailored to the long day care setting to improve menu compliance with recommendations and improve children’s food intake while in care.Methods and analysisThis study will employ a cluster randomised controlled trial and will recruit eight long day care centres, randomly allocated to the intervention or comparison groups. The intervention group will trial the delivery of a weekly menu box service that includes all ingredients and recipes required to provide morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. The menu boxes are underpinned by a 4-week menu developed by dietitians and meet menu planning guidelines. The comparison group will receive access to online menu planning training and a menu assessment tool for cooks. The primary outcomes are child dietary intake and menu guideline compliance. Secondary outcomes include within-trial cost-effectiveness and process evaluation measures including intervention acceptability, usability and fidelity. If effective, the menu box delivery will provide an easy strategy for childcare cooks to implement a centre menu that meets menu planning guidelines and improves child intake of five food group foods, including vegetables.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee. Study outcomes will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications, via local, national and international presentations. Non-traditional outputs including evidence summaries and development of a business case will be used to disseminate study findings to relevant stakeholder groups. Data will be used in a doctoral thesis.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000296932).


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