Introduction

  • Objective: This presentation aims to conduct a nutritional assessment for preschool-aged children (2-5 years old) attending a preschool in a suburban area.
  • Cultural Diversity: The facility serves students from various cultural backgrounds, including:
    • Hispanic
    • Caucasian
    • African-American
    • Asian

Current Menu Analysis

  1. Breakfast:
    • Importance: Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day as it provides essential energy and nutrients for young children.
    • Current Offering: Muffins and milk are served.
    • Nutritional Concern:
      • Muffins: High in sugar, which can cause a spike in energy levels followed by a rapid drop, leading to fatigue.
      • Milk: The current milk has a high-fat content.
    • Recommendations:
      • Substitute muffins with whole grain options such as oatmeal or whole wheat toast to provide sustained energy.
      • Replace high-fat milk with low-fat or fat-free milk to reduce saturated fat intake.
      • Incorporate an additional dairy product, such as yogurt or cheese, to meet the MyPlate guideline of 2 cups of dairy per day for preschoolers.
  2. Lunch:
    • Current Offering: Chicken nuggets, rice, broccoli, and milk.
    • Nutritional Concern:
      • Chicken Nuggets: Processed food with potential high sodium and unhealthy fats.
      • Lack of Fruit: The meal lacks a fruit component, which is essential for a balanced diet.
    • Recommendations:
      • Replace chicken nuggets with a lean protein option, such as grilled chicken or beans, to reduce processed food intake.
      • Add a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables to make the plate more visually appealing and nutritious, in line with MyPlate recommendations.
      • Offer fat-free milk or a fruit serving to enhance the meal’s nutritional value and ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.
  3. Snack:
    • Current Offering: Graham crackers and apple juice.
    • Nutritional Concern:
      • Both items contain sugar, which may contribute to excessive sugar intake and potential issues with weight and dental health.
    • Recommendations:
      • Replace graham crackers with whole-grain crackers or a small portion of nuts, providing more fiber and protein.
      • Substitute apple juice with a whole fruit, such as an apple or orange, to provide fiber and reduce sugar intake.