Impact of Summer Programs on Diet and Physical Activity in Elementary Children

Abstract

The USDA Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program indicated the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) as a priority area for research funding on diet quality and physical activity. This study aimed to compare the diet quality and physical activity of children, ages 5 to 11 years of age, participating in summer programs sponsored by the SFSP/SSO (Seamless Summer Option) and children who participated in summer programs that did not participate in these programs. All programs were within a 70-mile radius of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Anthropometric measurements, two 24-hour recalls, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Elementary Children (PAQ-C) were used to assess body composition, physical activity levels, as well as energy, fiber, calcium, and iron intake. Results showed a significantly greater calcium intake in children who participated in SFSP/SSO summer programs (985 365 mg/day) than those who did not (661 456 mg/day). Iron intake and waist circumference percentiles tended to be higher in children who attended SFSP/SSO programs than children who did not attend these programs. No participants met fiber Adequate Intake recommendations. Results indicate improvements are needed in calcium, energy, and fiber intake amongst elementary children participating in summer programs. Summer programs, especially non-SFSP/SSO programs, need to become more aware of the effect their programs have on their participants, specifically due to the lack of meal and/or snack and physical activity regulations as a result of exemption from state policies on summer programs.