Policy improves what beverages are served to young children in child care

Area of Science:

• Public Health Nutrition
• Childcare Policy
• Health Behavior Research

Background:

• A 2008 survey highlighted the need for improved beverage policies in California child care settings.
• Federal (USDA) and state (California Healthy Beverages in Childcare) policies were implemented between 2011 and 2012 to regulate beverages served to children.
• Policies mandated increased water availability, restricted sweetened beverages, and limited 100% juice servings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of new state and federal beverage policies on drinks served in California child care.
• To evaluate changes in beverage availability and types served before and after policy implementation.

Main Methods:

• A statewide survey of licensed child care sites was conducted in 2008 and repeated in 2012.
• A cross-sectional sample of approximately 1,400 child care sites was randomly selected and stratified by type.
• Data from 429 sites in 2008 and 435 sites in 2012 were analyzed after adjusting for child care category.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in 2012 compared to 2008, including increased water availability with meals/snacks (47% vs. 28%) and self-serve water access (77% vs. 69%).
• Fewer sites served whole milk (9% vs. 22%) and limited 100% juice to once daily (20% vs. 27%).
• In 2012, 60% of sites were aware of beverage policies, with 23% fully compliant with the California law.

Conclusions:

• State and federal policies positively influenced beverage choices in child care settings.
• Continued efforts are necessary to promote beverage policies and support their successful implementation in child care.
• Further research and targeted interventions may be needed to increase policy awareness and compliance.