Vegetable/Fruit Intakes of Young Children at Home and in Childcare Centres

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2020 Mar 1;81(1):15-20. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2019-021. Epub 2019 Sep 12.

Abstract

Purpose: The vegetable/fruit intakes of a sample of children attending regulated childcare in Nova Scotia was assessed and compared by age groups (3 and 4-5 year olds) and by home and childcare environments. Methods: Seventy-nine children had 3-4-day food records and 58 had records from both environments. The data were coded by the 2007 Canada's Food Guide (CFG) recommendations and the 2014 Classification of Foods in the Canadian Nutrient File according to CFG (CNF/CFG) Tiers. Descriptive statistics and tests of significance were determined. Results: Overall, 56% of children met the CFG vegetable/fruit recommendations but the percentage of older children meeting recommendations was half that of the younger age group; a significant difference. Fruit and juice comprised 65% of vegetable/fruit intakes with more consumed at home. Vegetable/fruit items were mostly from the higher quality CNF/CFG Tiers but more of the lower quality items were consumed at home. Conclusions: The 4-5 year olds may not be increasing their vegetable/fruit intakes as the CFG recommends. While just over half of children met CFG vegetable/fruit recommendations, the vegetable/fruit items were mostly high quality; fruit and juice predominated. Identification of strategies to support increased vegetable/fruit intakes of children in both home and childcare environments is warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Diet Records
  • Eating
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Nova Scotia
  • Recommended Dietary Allowances
  • Vegetables*