Description:
<jats:p>Obesity among adults and children has become a concern as the long‐term risks are alarming. Experts understand the need for early intervention as the research indicates that health habits are formed at a young age. Children consistently fail to meet guidelines for fruit, vegetable, and fiber intake, and exceed recommendations for processed foods and saturated fats. As more children participate in child care, the need for nutrition guidance is prevalent, yet few studies have examined the quality and impact of comprehensive nutrition programs in early childhood education (ECE). Childcare menus, in particular, provide unique opportunities to improve nutrition behaviors and health through repeated exposure to foods. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of implementing a comprehensive menu program on nutrition knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among 3–5 year old children in the childcare setting. Rainbow In My Tummy® (RIMT) includes recipes that promote scratch cooking, seasonal ingredients, lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited sodium and sugars at meals and snacks; nutrient analysis, education, regulatory compliance documentation, and policy support for the ECE setting. Data was collected pre‐and four months post‐implementation among 3–5‐year‐olds (n=43), including acceptance of novel foods as measured by grams eaten, food recognition, food group categorization, and beliefs about healthy and unhealthy foods utilizing picture identification. Analysis of variance indicated improved food identification (p<.05), greater numbers of children tasting novel foods, and improved identification of unhealthy foods after 4 months of exposure. Expected age‐related differences ability to categorize foods, specifically grains, were identified (p<.05). Knowledge and behavior were not significantly correlated. Qualitative findings included increased food‐related play among children, and altered mealtime behaviors including extended mealtimes, less task‐oriented meals, and increased comfort levels among teachers in nutrition‐related discussions. Implications suggest increasing access to similar comprehensive food programs in ECE may improve health outcomes. Exposure to a variety of foods, including healthy fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains is important for widening a child's food vocabulary, and identifying healthy and unhealthy foods increases nutrition literacy.</jats:p>