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Compliance With the Healthy Eating Standards in YMCA After-School Programs
Michael W Beets1, R Glenn Weaver1, Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy2
1Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
|July 4, 2016
Summary
YMCA after-school programs (ASPs) show low adherence to Healthy Eating standards, with few serving daily fruits, vegetables, or water. Staff also model unhealthy eating habits, indicating a need for improved nutrition support in these programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Childhood Obesity Prevention
Background:
- The YMCA of the US implemented Healthy Eating standards for all after-school programs (ASPs) in 2011.
- Compliance with these nutrition standards in YMCA ASPs remains unevaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent to which YMCA ASPs in South Carolina comply with the adopted Healthy Eating standards.
- To identify specific areas of non-compliance in food and beverage offerings and staff behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Twenty YMCA ASPs in South Carolina were selected for the study.
- Direct observations of food/beverage service and staff practices were conducted over four nonconsecutive days per site.
- Data collected included daily offerings of fruits, vegetables, water, sugar-sweetened beverages, sugar-added foods, whole grains, and family-style meal service.
Main Results:
- Only 26% of ASPs served fruit/vegetables daily, and 32% served water daily.
- 26% served sugar-sweetened beverages, 47% served sugar-added foods, and 11% served whole grains.
- Staff engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors, with 25% drinking non-approved beverages and 45% consuming non-approved foods during observations.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in YMCA ASPs' adherence to Healthy Eating standards.
- Interventions are necessary to support YMCA ASPs in meeting established nutrition guidelines.
- Improved staff training and environmental support are crucial for promoting healthy eating environments for children.