ADA announces guidelines to promote healthy eating during childcare

The American Dietitic Association has spoken out on the nutrition provided for children in daycare.

This represents mostly children 2-5 years old who receive one or more of their main meals during the time they are being cared for.  Nearly 9 million children are in day care for more than 15 hours a week.

I agree that there should be clear, easy to understand guidelines on what type of nutritious, balanced meals children need.  These children are growing and developing rapidly and nutrition is so important.

Recommended benchmarks include:

• Ensure foods and beverages served in child-care programs are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Serve children fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C daily and foods high in vitamin A at least three times per week.
• Children should consume at least six servings daily of a combination of breads, cereals and legumes, and at least half of all grains they eat should be whole grains.
• Limit the amounts of foods and drinks that are high in calories, sugar and sodium; and provide foods and beverages that are high in vitamins and minerals.
• Since children’s nutrition and calorie needs change with age (typically gaining 5 to 6 pounds per year from age one year through adolescence), children should receive adequate and appropriate amounts of well-balanced meals and snacks.
• Accurate menus should be posted and families kept informed about the foods served at the child-care center.
• Child-care providers should serve as role models and encourage healthful eating for children.