Foods served at faith community events for children - Is there room for improvements in this unexplored child nutrition site?

Abstract

To describe food and beverage provisions by Faith Communities from one denomination in association with events for children. Foods and beverages provided at 32 child-focused activities were documented using direct observation methodology and analyzed for contribution to food groups and per serving energy, fat,saturated fat, sugar, and sodium contents. Main dishes were mostly (71%) convenience/casserole-type foods, and averaged 962mg sodium and 436kcal, with 36% of energy from fat and 14% as saturated fat. Cheese was the main source of dairy products. Grain-based side dishes, provided at 29% of meals, included white rice, pasta, and bread. Non-starchy vegetables were provided at three (29%) meals. Fruits were served at six events. Desserts, served at 75% of events, contained 41% of energy from fat, with 17% as saturated fat, and 22g of added sugar. Snack chips, provided at 31% of events, contributed 165kcal mostly from fat and 243mg of sodium. Sugar-sweetened beverages, served at 71% of events, contributed 28g of added sugar. This pilot investigation identified areas for improvements in the nutritional quality of foods/beverages served at faith community child-focused events and aligns with expanding public health efforts to improve child nutrition beyond traditional settings.