Abstract
Objectives
To examine the nutrition and physical activity (PA) environment of urban USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites.
Methods
The current study was part of a larger observational trial – Project SWEAT (Summer Weight and Environmental Assessment Trial) – investigating the determinants of unhealthy summer weight gain in children residing in low-income urban zip codes. All SFSP sites located in Project SWEAT neighborhoods were recruited. The nutrition and PA environment was assessed via the field-tested 83-item Site Environmental Assessment Form. Nutrition environment characteristics included, but were not limited to, presence of water fountain(s) [yes/no] and vending machines [healthy, unhealthy, or mixed options). PA environment characteristics included, but were not limited to, presence of indoor gym, indoor/outdoor basketball court, nearby parks, outdoor playground equipment, and sports equipment [yes/no]. PA behaviors from the perspective of the site directors was also assessed (6-point Likert Scale; 0 = Never, 5 = Daily). Summary statistics were calculated.
Results
Twenty-eight SFSP sites were identified and 20 completed (71% response rate). Nutrition environment characteristics: 90% (n = 18) of sites had water fountains and 40% (n = 8) had either snack or beverage vending machines or both. 100% of sites that had snack vending (n = 5 of 8) and 80% of sites that had beverage vending (n = 7 of 8) had mixed options. PA environment: 90% (n = 18) had at least one PA environmental characteristic; 39% (n = 7), 67% (n = 12), and 94% (n = 17) had swimming pool, playground equipment, and a basketball hoop, respectively. 70% (n14) of site directors encouraged children to go outside (70%, n = 14) and praised PA (80%, n = 16) 5–6 times per week. Child daily participation in moderate PA was reported by 85% (n = 17) of site directors.
Conclusions
Results demonstrate that urban SFSP sites have healthy snacks and beverages and PA areas available to participants; thus, the SFSP has potential to play a role in protecting at-risk children from unhealthy weight gain during the summer.
Funding Sources
USDA North Central Nutrition Education Center for Excellence.
Exploring the Relationship Between Attendance at USDA Summer Food Service Program Sites and Baseline Household Food Security Status: Results from the Project SWEAT Study