ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF FOODS OFFERED TO PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN AGED 2-5 YEARS OLD WHO ATTEND LICENSED DAY CARE CENTERS IN ALBUQUERQUE IN COMPARISON TO THE CACFP NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES.

Child care settings may have a role in shaping childrens dietary habits. Foods and beverages served in many child care centers do not meet the nutrition recommendations. A sample of 10 child care centers participated in the study. Data was collected through an online survey and centers provided a copy of their menus. Food groups were compared to the Child and Adult Care Food Program meal pattern recommendations and nutrient contents were compared to half and two thirds of the DRIs for children 2-5 years. In general, child care centers are serving required food components and portion sizes, although there were some additions. Centers appear to be serving foods that meet the recommendations for vitamins A and C, folate, iron, calcium, zinc, fat and SFA, but not for energy, potassium, fiber, sodium and protein. There were no differences in the amount of nutrients provided by when higher (4-5) and lower (2-3) star rated child care centers were compared