ERIC Number: EJ1347100
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1559-5676
Impact of Child Nutrition Programs Offered in Schools on Daily Nutrition and Dietary Quality
Simmons, Makayla; Hildebrand, Deana; Joyce, Jill
Journal of Child Nutrition & Management, v46 n1 Spr 2022
Purpose/Objectives: The average Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) score for children 2-17 years is 53.9/100, which needs improvement. HEI scores for dietary quality (DQ) directly and positively impact children's health, academic performance, and their future. Because school Child Nutrition Programs impact a large proportion of U.S. children, it is important to evaluate these programs to determine the nutrition they are providing and their impact on DQ. The purpose of this study is to determine the overall nutrition provided by the four Child Nutrition Programs that can be implemented consistently and collectively each school day [School Breakfast Program (SBP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), Afterschool Snack Program (ASSP)] and to determine the DQ achieved collectively by serving all four Child Nutrition Programs. Methods: This cross-sectional content analysis included four-week sample menus for each Child Nutrition Program for elementary-aged children. SBP and NSLP menus were actual menus from Cooking for Kids. FFVP and ASSP menus were created by two Child Nutrition Program expert researchers. Nutrient content was determined using nutrient analysis. DQ was determined using HEI-2015 for all four program menus combined. Results: The proportion of daily nutrient needs met by combined menus ranged from 0.15-403.7% (average proportion = 124.0%). Combined sample menus exceeded child daily nutrient needs for 18 of 30 nutrients and met at least 50% of needs for 8 nutrients. Combined menus had a total HEI score of 83.3/100, 54.5% higher than the 2-17-year-old U.S. child's diet. DQ of combined menus was significantly greater than that of the average U.S. child's diet for whole grains, dairy, added sugar, and total score. Application To Child Nutrition Professionals: Results of the study show possible support for why schools might implement all four Child Nutrition Programs. This may be especially important in low-income areas where children may not be provided adequate nutrition outside of school, thus allowing high DQ meal patterns and contributing to daily nutrient needs.
Descriptors: Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Lunch Programs, Elementary School Students, Breakfast Programs, After School Programs
School Nutrition Association. 120 Waterfront Street Suite 300, National Harbor, MD 20745. Tel: 301-686-3100; Fax: 301-686-3115; e-mail: servicecenter@schoolnutrition.org; Web site: https://schoolnutrition.org/news-publications/jcnm/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: National School Lunch Act 1946
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A