Foods served at faith community events for children - Is there room for improvements in this unexplored child nutrition site?

OBJECTIVE: To describe food and beverage provisions by Faith Communities from one denomination in association with events for children. DESIGN, SAMPLE AND MEASURES: Foods and beverages provided at 32 child-focused activities were documented using direct observation methodology and analyzed for contribution to food groups and per serving energy, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium contents. RESULTS: Main dishes were mostly (71%) convenience/casserole-type foods, and averaged 962 mg sodium and 436 kcal, with 36% of energy from fat and 14% as saturated fat. Cheese was the main source of dairy products. Grain-based side dishes, provided at 29% of meals, included white rice, pasta, and bread. Non-starchy vegetables were provided at three (29%) meals. Fruits were served at six events. Desserts, served at 75% of events, contained 41% of energy from fat, with 17% as saturated fat, and 22 g of added sugar. Snack chips, provided at 31% of events, contributed 165 kcal mostly from fat and 243 mg of sodium. Sugar-sweetened beverages, served at 71% of events, contributed 28 g of added sugar. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot investigation identified areas for improvements in the nutritional quality of foods/beverages served at faith community child-focused events and aligns with expanding public health efforts to improve child nutrition beyond traditional settings.