Study of the Nutritional Aspects of the Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Administration on Children, Youth and Families has signed an interagency agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The FNS plans to study nutritional aspects of the child care component, including the nutrient composition of meals served to those Head Start children who are part of the national sample. The study will examine:
(1) the nutritional composition of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meals that are offered to children,
(2) the nutritional contribution of CACFP meals to children's meal-specific and 24-hour dietary in take, and
(3) factors that affect child care providers' ability to prepare meals that meet the Dietary Guidelines.Head Start funds will be used to increase the sample of Head Start centers in the study and to compare how well Head Start centers are meeting the Dietary Guide lines in relationship to non-Head Start centers.
Tips for Choosing Nutrition
- If selecting a nutrition consultant to direct Head Start nutrition services, make sure the consultant meets the required qualifications as stated in the Performance Standards.
- Look for experienced nutrition consultants who are comfortable working with preschool children, low- income families, and culturally diverse populations.
- Expect nutrition consultants to have experience in training staff at all levels and with variety in their backgrounds. Consultants should also have extensive experience in providing nutrition education to families and working with food service staff on menu planning.
- Select nutrition consultants who would be good role models for children, staff, and parents.
- Look for nutrition consultants with a working knowledge of community resources and community contacts which would be available to Head Start children and families.
- Above all, choose nutrition consultants who under stand and support the Head Start philosophy, who have strong communication skills, and who value working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.