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Maternal Employment and Children's Nutrition: Volume I, Diet Quality and the Role of the CACFP

  • by Mary Kay Crepinsek, Nancy Burstein and Linda M. Ghelfi
  • 6/8/2004
  • EFAN-04006-1

Overview

Compared with children of nonworking mothers, children of full-time working mothers have lower overall HEI (Healthy Eating Index) scores, lower intake of iron and fiber, and higher intake of soda and fried potatoes, even after taking into account differences in maternal and other family characteristics. Nutritional differences between children of part-time working mothers and children of nonworking mothers were more sensitive to maternal and family characteristics, with no clear pattern of nutritional differences emerging. This study analyzed differences in nutrition outcomes among children whose mothers work full time, part time, and not at all, and the role USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) plays in meeting the nutrition needs of participating children, especially those whose mothers work.

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