The use of the USDA Nutrient Analysis Protocol in the evaluation of child-care menus in North Mississippi

Abstract

Child-care facilities that participate in the federally assisted Child and Adult Care Food Program are required to follow meal patterns that meet the nutrient needs for child growth and development. The purpose of this research is to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Analysis Protocols to evaluate child-care menus in order to demonstrate their ease of use for menu planners in child-care centres. An interviewer was trained in using the USDA Nutrient Analysis Protocols to assess the menus at five child-care centres recruited for the pilot study. This paper concluded that the USDA Nutrient Analysis Protocols were fairly adaptable for use in child-care facilities. This article can be useful in demonstrating to menu planners that the USDA Nutrient Analysis Protocols are easy to use and provide a site-by-site comparison to ensure programme compliance with Dietary Reference Intakes for young children.

Keywords:

• paediatric nutrition
• child-care menus
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
• childhood obesity
• nutrient analysis
• menu planning

Notes on contributors

Kathy B. Knight Ph.D RD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi and primary investigator for Eating Good … and Moving like We Should, a school-based nutrition intervention program.

Rose Hickey MS is the Oxford High School's Girls Fitness instructor and recently was awarded the Secondary Physical Educator of the Year.

Christopher R. Aloia MPH is a Research Associate in the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi.

Charlotte B. Oakley Ph.D RD is a state and national leader in child nutrition programs for more than three decades, she was executive director of the National Food Service Management Institute at the University of Mississippi and currently is a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi.

Anne K. Bomba Ph.D RD is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director of Nutrition & Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi.