Comparison of Children's Dietary Intakes at NYC Child Care Centers to National Recommendations

Child care centers have been identified as an important setting to improve nutrition practices and prevent childhood obesity. To evaluate the nutrition practices of child care centers in New York City, this study compared the dietary intakes of 636 children who attended 110 centers in relation to national recommendations. In 2009-2010, two research staff visited one randomly selected classroom in each center on two consecutive days. One researcher recorded the content and preparation of foods served to children; the second researcher randomly selected three children to observe each day and recorded types and amounts of all foods and beverages consumed by the children. Mean daily intakes of nutrients and servings of food groups were calculated from the NCI ASA24 software. The American Dietetic Association recommends that children consume 50-67% of the RDA while at full-time centers. Children consumed an average of 564 calories (~40% RDA) and exceeded the daily recommendation for protein (~125% RDA). Mean intakes of all vitamins, except vitamins D and E, and minerals were >67% RDA, but mean servings of most food groups were <50% MyPyramid serving recommendation. Intake of whole grains and most types of vegetables were <27% recommendations. In contrast, intake of foods that provided solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS) was 142% recommendations. Child care centers in New York City need to serve more vitamin D and vitamin E rich foods as well as whole grains and vegetables while also serving less foods with solid fats and added sugars.