SNAP-Ed Intervention to Improve the Nutritional Behavioral Habits in Preschoolers in Washington D.C.

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) offers complementary education programs to improve public health through improving nutritional behavioral habits in preschoolers in Washington D.C. This study examines the influence of the SNAP-Ed program on changing a set of positive nutritional behaviors in preschoolers to encourage healthier eating habits. These nutritional behavioral changes include recognizing, choosing, and consuming nutritious and healthy foods. Methods The SNAP-Ed program implemented nutritional education in 37 preschools, schools, and community centers located in Washington D.C for Fiscal Year 2019. During the program, the nutritional behavior of 1679 children aged 2 to 5 years old was examined before and after educational interventions. Interventions focused on the types and the related benefits of different groups of foods including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains. Designed questionnaires were filled out by 130 teachers based on their observations of the children's nutritional behavioral habits. Teachers were asked if children had an increase in the amount of food consumption from different groups. Children were also observed for an increase in independently choosing healthier foods. Results The SNAP-Ed program observed a positive change in all questions in comparison to the beginning of the program. According to the questionnaires, there were 75%, 75%, 78%, and 75% increases in the amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains preschoolers consumed, respectively. After the educational interventions, 78% of preschoolers showcased healthy food choices, 76% of them selected fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria and 75% of them brought fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack. Conclusions SNAP-Ed nutrition education positively changed preschoolers’ nutritional knowledge and established healthier eating habits. Further research, done in multiple states, is essential to enhance the knowledge of preschoolers nationwide. More research can also be done to examine how effective nutritional education was between SNAP eligible and non-eligible preschoolers. Funding Sources Congress, through the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.