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An evaluation of a nutrition intervention at childcare centres in South Australia
Author(s) -
Matwiejczyk Louisa,
Colmer Kaye,
McWhinnie JulieAnne
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he07159
Subject(s) - medicine , metropolitan area , intervention (counseling) , incentive , hygiene , environmental health , population health , nursing , program evaluation , medical education , public health , political science , pathology , economics , microeconomics , public administration
Issue addressed Research has shown that childcare menus in South Australia, Australia and overseas lack key nutrients recommended for children. This paper describes an incentive initiative that aimed to improve the nutrition provided to children attending childcare centres in the southern metropolitan area of South Australia between 2001 and 2003. Methods To attain the ‘Start Right Eat Right’ award, aimed at childcare centres, directors and cooks from 50 centres were required to attend training, analyse a current menu for quality and quantity against various tools, review their food policy for essential criteria, have two site visits and have all staff trained in a recognised food safety and hygiene program. Results Forty‐four (88%) of the centres completed training. Qualitative feedback from 10 awarded centres reported substantial changes and their food policy analysis showed an increase of essential points from an average score of 8.4 to 17.1 (max. score 18). More than 300 staff completed food hygiene training. Fifty per cent of the eligible centres had completed the award at program evaluation. Conclusion This multi‐strategic intervention was effective in improving the food provided and nutrition practices in childcare settings. Strategies attributed to its success were an inter‐sectoral approach and the creation of supportive environments. So what? This project has since been implemented throughout South Australia. The ‘Start Right Eat Right Project’, adapted from the original ‘Start Right Eat Right Award’ program developed by the Department of Health Western Australia and the ‘Caring for Children’ work in New South Wales, appears to be easily transferable to other locations.