The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 provided for reimbursement of snacks in after-school programs through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). However, there is little information about the nutrient content of snacks in after-school programs for elementary students. As part of the baseline assessment of the CATCH Kids’ Club, an after-school health promotion program emphasizing increased physical activity and nutrition education, after-school snacks were evaluated in 16 sites in 2 programs in Texas (8 each in El Paso & Austin). Five consecutive days of total snack foods consumed by 3rd, 4th and 5th graders were recorded for each site, along with the number of students who consumed the snacks on each day. Snacks were entered into the Food Intake Analysis System (FIAS, Version 3.98) and mean nutrient content of snacks were calculated. The average energy content of all snacks was 172 kcal, ranging from 14 kcal to 371 kcal. Schools that participated in the USDA snack program had higher mean energy content (249 kcal compared to 95 kcal). Mean percent energy from protein for all snacks was 6.5%, while mean percent kcal from fat was 21.0%, below recommended levels of 30% kcal from fat. Mean absolute levels of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron were higher in schools that participated in the USDA after-school snack program. These pilot data indicate that the nutrient value of snacks served in after-school programs can vary widely, depending on the program and participation in the CACFP.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements for after-school snacks. 2. List the measurement techniques for determining nutrient content of after-school snacks. 3. Describe the nutrient composition of after-school snacks from 16 sites in Texas. 4. Discuss implications of nutrient contents of snacks in programs that participate in the CACFP compared to those that do not
Keywords: Food and Nutrition, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.