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Diet Quality of Farm to School Implementation by using Healthy Eating Index (LB457)
Author(s) -
Young Taylor,
Ptomey Lauren,
Craven Tara,
Swanson Ann,
Gibson Cheryl
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.lb457
Subject(s) - meal , healthy eating , environmental health , medicine , nutrition education , food group , index (typography) , gerontology , food science , zoology , physical activity , physical therapy , biology , pathology , world wide web , computer science
Background. Nutrition not only plays an important role in the growth and development of preschool‐aged children, it also has a long‐lasting impact on health status, disease prevention and body composition. Schools and childcare centers have been targeted to increase diet quality and nutrition education to preschool aged children. Recently, these programs have attempted to provide locally grown produce to further enhance diet quality, but few studies examine nutritional content of meals provided. Methods. We analyzed intake and diet quality of farm to school (FTS) meals versus standard meals among preschoolers in a Head Start program. Direct observations, using plate waste, along with Nutrition Data System (NDSR) analysis determined intake and nutritional content of foods consumed. Data was analyzed using the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI 2010) to depict diet quality between FTS and standard meals. Results. Average HEI 2010 scores indicate a higher score among FTS meals (63±10.4) compared to standard meals (53±12.3), (p<0.001). The energy intake was similar between the two groups (311 ± 214 vs 334 ± 161 kcal/meal). Change in HEI scores was accounted for by whole grains, refined grains and sodium. Discussion. Results indicate overall improvement in nutritional intake from FTS meals when compared to standard meals. Several factors may be responsible for this improvement including specific food items provided and nutritional education. Longer term studies are needed. Grant Funding Source : Supported by KC Healthy Kids