Compliance With the Healthy Eating Standards in YMCA After-School Programs

Michael W. Beets, R. Glenn Weaver, Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy, Aaron Beighle, Justin B. Moore, Collin Webster, Mahmud Khan, Ruth Saunders

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective In 2011, the YMCA of the US adopted Healthy Eating standards for all of their after-school programs (ASPs). The extent to which YMCA ASPs comply with the standards is unknown. Methods Twenty ASPs from all YMCA ASPs across South Carolina (N = 102) were invited to participate. Direct observation of the food and beverages served and staff behaviors were collected on 4 nonconsecutive days per ASP. Results One ASP did not serve a snack. Of the remaining ASPs, a total of 26% served a fruit or vegetable and 32% served water every day; 26% served sugar-sweetened beverages, 47% served sugar-added foods, and only 11% served whole grains when grains were served. Staff members sat with the children (65%) or verbally promoted healthy eating (15%) on at least 1 observation day. Staff drank non-approved drinks (25%) or foods (45%) on at least 1 observation day. No ASPs served snacks family-style every day. Conclusions and Implications Additional efforts are required to assist YMCA-operated ASPs in achieving these important nutrition standards.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)555-562.e1
JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume48
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior

Keywords

  • YMCA
  • child
  • community
  • nutrition
  • policy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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