Dietary intake among children attending child-care centers: Impact of the implementation of the new CACFP meal guidelines

Authors: DAVE, JAYNA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); CHEN, TZU-AN - University Of Houston; ALMOHAMAD, MAHA - University Of Texas Health Science Center; COTTO-MORENO, SONIA - Consultant

Submitted to: Nutrients
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/15/2022
Publication Date: 8/18/2022
Citation: Dave, J.M., Chen, T.A., Almohamad, M., Cotto-Moreno, S. 2022. Dietary intake among children attending child-care centers: Impact of the implementation of the new CACFP meal guidelines. Nutrients. 14(16). Article 3394. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163394.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163394

Interpretive Summary: The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to eligible children enrolled in participating childcare programs. Reimbursable meals and snacks must meet CACFP's meal pattern requirements. Through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, USDA made the first major changes in the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) meal and snack menu patterns since 1968. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the new CACFP meal pattern requirements on children's dietary behaviors. This study evaluated these changes at childcare centers operating in Houston and San Antonio, Texas, USA, areas enrolled in the CACFP, pre- (Spring 2016) and post-implementation (Fall 2016–Spring 2017) of the new meal patterns. Dietary intake was assessed via observations of children, 3–5 years old, conducted at breakfast, lunch, and snack times. Results showed improvements in adjusted means of several nutrients including calcium, vitamin C and food groups consumption, post-implementation of new CACFP meal guidelines compared to baseline, specifically intake of whole grains, milk, and juice. Additional studies are needed to confirm the impact of the revised CACFP meal patterns along with strategies to assist providers in meeting the new standards to increase the access to and intake of items in accordance with the CACFP meal pattern requirements in childcare settings.

Technical Abstract: Through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, USDA (US Department of Agriculture) made the first major changes in the CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) meal and snack menu patterns. Childcare centers that serve low-income families qualify to participate and receive reimbursement for meals and snacks served. The purpose of this study was to assess what changes in children's dietary behaviors occurred as a result of the new CACFP meal pattern requirements. This study evaluated these changes at childcare centers operating in Houston and San Antonio, Texas, USA, areas enrolled in the CACFP, pre- (Spring 2016) and post-implementation (Fall 2016–Spring 2017) of the new meal patterns. Dietary intake was assessed via observations of children, 3–5 years old, conducted at breakfast, lunch, and snack times. Results showed improvements in adjusted means of several nutrients and food groups consumption, post-implementation of new CACFP meal guidelines compared to baseline, specifically intake of whole grains, milk, and juice. Additional studies are needed to confirm the impact of the revised CACFP meal patterns along with strategies to assist providers in meeting the new standards to increase the access to and intake of items in accordance with the CACFP meal pattern requirements in childcare settings.