Food and nutrient provision in preschools: Comparison of public and private preschools

A balanced diet is important for ensuring health and development in childhood. As preschool is the main place of childcare, the meals that they provide have a critical influence on children's dietary intake.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the nutrition status of preschool meals and to compare the food and nutrient content in public and private preschool meals.

This was a cross-sectional study of 12 randomly sampled, public and private preschools in Taichung City, Taiwan. The background questionnaires, which included the meal budget and provision status of preschool meals, were completed either by the principals or supervisors of the preschools. The food and nutrition levels of preschool meals were assessed by weighing the actual food provided to the preschool children. In addition, preschool menus were collected to evaluate the meals and food served.

Overall, the mean calcium provision of preschools was lower than half the daily dietary reference intake (DRI), and the mean sodium was higher than half the DRI. The mean energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, iron and vitamins B1, B2 and C supplied by the public preschools were significantly higher than those in the private preschools. In addition, the whole grains, meat, vegetables, fruits, oil and nuts supplied in public preschools were significantly higher than those found in private preschools.

The mean energy and macronutrient provision of public preschools were significantly higher than those found in private preschools. Meal quality and nutrient levels offered in public preschools were generally higher than those found in private preschools.