A Pilot Study Analyzing Grocery Purchases of Families With Head Start Preschoolers

Abstract

This study describes the foods and beverages available in the homes of low-income, minority preschoolers. In all, 42 families who represented 43 preschoolers from 2 Head Start centers submitted grocery receipts over a 6-week period in Fall 2008. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the distribution of purchases of various foods for the families, and correlations were used to associate purchases between food groups. Results showed that a majority of families purchased animal proteins, desserts/chips, and sugar-sweetened beverages at least once during the study. Conversely, less than one third of families purchased green leafy vegetables and water. Purchases of vegetarian proteins were moderately associated with purchases of other plant-based foods. Results indicate that a large percentage of the participating preschoolers reside in homes where high-sugar, high-fat foods and beverages are readily available. These preliminary findings, which were obtained using an objective approach, provide important insight into consumer purchasing trends among low-income families.