Work

Changes in Foods Served and Meal Costs in Boston Family Child Care Homes after One Year of Implementing the New Child and Adult Care Food Program Nutrition Standards

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the impact of 2017 revisions to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutrition standards on foods and beverages served and meal costs in family child care homes (FCCHs). Our pre–post study utilized four weeks of menus and food receipts from 13 FCCH providers in Boston, MA prior to CACFP nutrition standards changes in 2017 and again one year later, resulting in n = 476 menu observation days. We compared daily servings of food and beverage items to the updated standards. Generalized estimating equation models tested for changes in adherence to the standards and meal costs. FCCHs offered more whole grains and less juice and refined grains from baseline to follow-up. FCCHs were more likely to meet the revised whole grain standard at follow-up (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.2, p = 0.002), but rarely met all selected standards together. Inflation-adjusted meal costs increased for lunch (+$0.27, p = 0.001) and afternoon snack (+$0.25, p = 0.048). FCCH providers may need assistance with meeting CACFP standards while ensuring that meal costs do not exceed reimbursement rates.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu12092817

Authors: Mary Kathryn Poole, Angie L. Cradock, Erica L. Kenney

Institution: Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,112