Transitioning to a Plant-Based Menu in Childcare: Identifying the Nutritional, Financial, and Logistical Considerations.

International health organizations have called for a shift towards more plant-based foods as a way of promoting both individual health and environmental sustainability. Given the high percentage of children in Canada who attend childcare and the high volume of food provided in childcare, transitioning menus to incorporate plant-based foods could have important implications for both planetary and child health. The purpose of this case study is to describe a childcare centre's transition to a plant-based menu. A detailed nutritional analysis of the menu was conducted. The financial and logistical implications of the transitions to a plant-based menu were also assessed. Nutritional analysis revealed that the plant-based menu met or exceeded the daily nutrient requirement for all the key nutrients explored. Financially, the transition led to a 9% reduction in food costs. Logistically, the transition led to improved efficiency and safety with regard to food preparation, with substantially fewer tailored meals due to allergies and dietary restrictions required after the transition. These novel findings are relevant for food service administrators interested in transitioning to a plant-based menu as well as public health dietitians who could support the transition.

Meal regularity is associated with self-esteem among grade 5 children.

BACKGROUND: Meal regularity is associated with many aspects of mental health. However, few studies have examined whether a relationship exists between meal regularity and self-esteem in children. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether an association exists between meal regularity and self-esteem in grade 5 children. METHODS: Among 4009 grade 5 students (mean age = 11.0 years ± SEM = 0.006) from the 2011 Children's Lifestyle and School Performance Study (CLASS-II; Nova Scotia, Canada), cross-sectional meal regularity survey data (family supper, supper in front of the television, supper alone, skipping breakfast, and skipping lunch) were collected using the Harvard Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire and examined in relation to self-esteem. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the ORs and 95% CIs associated with low self-esteem. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle covariates. RESULTS: Compared to children who ate supper in front of the television or alone either never or less than once/week, children had greater odds of low self-esteem if 5 or more times/week they ate supper in front of the television (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.40-2.43) or alone (OR = 4.23; 95% CI, 2.58-6.95). Compared to children who ate family supper 5 or more times/week, children who ate family supper never or less than once/week had greater odds of low self-esteem (OR: 1.97; 95% CI, 1.51-2.56). Skipping breakfast and skipping lunch were associated with greater odds of low self-esteem [OR = 2.92 (95% CI, 1.87-4.57) and OR = 4.82 (95% CI, 2.14-10.87) respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: In our study of grade 5 children, all 5 indicators of meal regularity tested are significantly and consistently associated with self-esteem.