Boosting Childcare Nutrition: Simple Tips for Practitioners
Childcare providers have a unique opportunity to influence children's dietary habits, which can have long-lasting effects on their health. A recent study titled "Provider reported implementation of nutrition-related practices in childcare centers and family childcare homes in rural and urban Nebraska" provides valuable insights into how childcare centers (CCCs) and family childcare homes (FCCHs) in different settings implement nutrition best practices.
Key Findings from the Study
The study found several key differences and similarities in how nutrition best practices are implemented across CCCs and FCCHs in urban and rural areas:
- Most childcare programs (>90%) serve fruits and vegetables at least once a day and provide skim or 1% milk.
- Sub-optimal practices were noted in serving fried meats and high sugar/high fat foods less frequently.
- Barriers such as cost, lack of time, and children not liking healthier foods were commonly reported.
- CCCs reported issues like limited food storage space and lack of control over food delivered, while FCCHs highlighted time constraints and insufficient staff.
Actionable Tips for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some actionable tips for childcare providers to improve nutrition practices:
- Incorporate More Whole Foods: Aim to serve more whole grains, lean meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are nutrient-dense and align with CACFP guidelines.
- Family-Style Dining: Encourage family-style dining where children serve themselves. This practice not only promotes self-regulation but also can reduce food waste.
- Engage in Responsive Feeding: Sit with children during meals and model healthy eating. Discuss the benefits of healthy foods to make mealtime educational and enjoyable.
- Overcome Cost Barriers: Utilize available funding and grants aimed at improving childcare nutrition. Collaborate with local food banks or community organizations to source affordable healthy foods.
- Address Time Constraints: Plan meals in advance and prepare bulk items that can be used in multiple meals. Engage children in simple meal prep tasks to save time and teach valuable skills.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, more research is needed to address specific barriers and identify effective interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in ongoing research and share their experiences to contribute to a broader understanding of best practices in childcare nutrition.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Provider reported implementation of nutrition-related practices in childcare centers and family childcare homes in rural and urban Nebraska.
