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.
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