Head Start Programs Exceeding Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Requirements
December 9, 2009
Head Start Programs Exceeding Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Requirements

Most Head Start programs report doing more to support healthy eating and physical activity than required by federal performance standards, according to a study in the December 2009 issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The study authors administered a survey to all Head Start programs between February and April 2008 to determine obesity prevention strategies and environments in Head Start programs and to identify program characteristics associated with variability in these practices and environments.  Of the 1583 (87%) programs that responded to the survey, 70% reported serving only nonfat or 1% fat milk; 94% reported that they serve children some fruit other than fruit juice each day; and 97% reported serving some vegetable other than fried potatoes.  Eighty-nine percent of programs reported having an on-site play area at every center; 74% of programs reported that children were given structured gross motor activity for at least 30 minutes each day; and 73% reported that children were given unstructured gross motor activity for at least 30 minutes each day.   Data from the study suggest that Head Start programs administered by a school system are very likely to use the food service program of that school system as the source of the meals they serve. Using the school food program, compared with not doing so, appears to be associated with at least 3 disadvantages: a less healthy eating environment, lower perceived control over the foods and beverages served, and a lower proportion of food costs being reimbursed. This was the first national report on practices and environments related to healthy eating and physical activity in Head Start and the results provide programs with reassurance on what they are doing right and strategies on how they can improve access to healthy foods and increase opportunities for physical activity.


See also:

Robert C. Whitaker; Rachel A. Gooze; Cayce C. Hughes; Daniel M. Finkelstein. A National Survey of Obesity Prevention Practices in Head Start. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2009;163(12):1144-1150. 

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