Comparing Current Practice to Recommendations for the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Background: The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) assists child care centers serving low-income preschoolers and regulates the quality and quantity of food served. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of lunches served at 38 child care centers and examine how current practices compare to proposed meal pattern recommendations.

Methods: Preschool-aged children (n = 204) were observed eating lunch in 38 CACFP-participating preschools.

Environmental factors associated with physical activity in childcare centers.

Background: Child care centers influence physical activity levels among children, yet little is known about the specific aspects of the environment that support generous amounts of activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the practices, and environmental aspects of the child care center that are associated with children's moderate and vigorous physical activity.

Methods: Thirty-five child care centers serving 389 3 to 5 year old children were assessed for: 1) environmental characteristics of the center; and 2) staff practices related to child physical activity.

Enhanced evaluation data initiates a collaborative out-of-school time food sponsors work group.

Background: Philadelphia's Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Out-of-School Time (OST) Initiative led by the Health Promotion Council developed 10 Healthy Living Guidelines for Out-of-School Time Programs to support a healthy environment for Philadelphia youth in 200 OST programs. Health Promotion Council participated in an enhanced cross-site evaluation with the national Robert Wood Johnson Foundation evaluator during the final year of funding to learn more about food and nutrition in the OST setting, and to share data and engage the OST food providers.

Methods: A plate waste study measured the quantity and nutrition composition of meals served to youth compared to food not eaten.

Corner stores: the perspective of urban youth.

Objective: We examined the perspectives of low-income, urban youth about the corner store experience to inform the development of corner store interventions.

Design: Focus groups were conducted to understand youth perceptions regarding their early shopping experiences, the process of store selection, reasons for shopping in a corner store, parental guidance about corner stores, and what their ideal, or "dream corner store" would look like. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes using ATLAS.

Validity of a measure to assess the child-care nutrition and physical activity environment.

Background: Licensed child-care centers represent an opportunity to positively influence children's health behaviors. Valid and easy-to-use measures of the child-care environment are needed to assess the influence of environmental change on health.

Objective: To develop and validate a self-administered survey to assess the nutrition and physical activity environment of child-care centers, and to identify domains that may be evaluated adequately through self-report.

Trying to lose weight: diet strategies among Americans with overweight or obesity in 1996 and 2003.

Background: Health professionals recommend that individuals with overweight and obesity lose weight by reducing energy intake while maintaining a healthful diet. This study was designed to examine trends in weight loss attempts and strategies for adults with overweight or obesity among different sociodemographic groups.

Methods: Data from the 1996 and 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to estimate changes in weight loss attempts and strategies across population groups.