Afterschool Snack Programs

Purpose

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2013a), childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and is a significant public health concern. Overall, the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years from 5% to 16.9%. More than 23 million, or one in every three children, are overweight or obese. A breakdown between children ages 6 and 11 years in the United States indicates an increase in obesity from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. Obese adolescents ages 12 to 19 years have increased from 5% to 18% over the same period. An examination of the primary contributors of childhood obesity may help explain the childhood obesity phenomenon. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) reports that the primary contributors of overweight and obesity in children and youth are increased sedentary behavior, decreased physical activity levels, dietary patterns (increased intake of high-fat, high-calorie and non-nutrient-dense foods), and socioeconomic status.

First, the environment plays a huge role in childhood overweight and obesity. The environment is closely linked to an increased sedentary behavior, decreased physical activity levels, and dietary patterns. Children are growing up in a fast-paced world where it is not uncommon for parents to use fast-food outlets as a primary source of nutrition. Although participating in physical activity is necessary, there has been an increased prevalence of children eating more fast food with high-fat, high-calorie, and non-nutrient-dense calories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the option to super-size and eat more at buffets has led to caloric imbalance whereby the child may participate in a physical activity but too few calories are expended than the calories consumed during the meal. The OAC states that only 20% of children meet the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Soft drinks with high-fructose corn syrup have been under scrutiny as research has found 20% of children that consume soft drinks on a regular basis are more likely to be overweight or obese. Consumption of soft drinks by children has increased by more than 300% over the last 20 years.

In addition, the technological environment has shaped the perceptions of children through television that demotes the importance of physical activity, and commercials that promote unhealthy food, as reported by the CDC. It has also been reported that children and adolescents are spending excessive hours watching television and movies, playing video games, and spending time on the computer, thus leading to a strong relationship between screen time and the increase of sedentary behavior or lack of physical activity among children.

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