Childrens’ Habits And Attitudes Toward Food And Exercise

Black and Hispanic children aged eight to 17 (75% and 65%, respectively) are more likely than White children the same age (56%) to eat a lunch prepared by their school, finds the American Dietetic Association. Nearly half of Black children (48%) buy a meal or snack from a school vending machine or snack bar, compared to 32% of Hispanic children and 22% of White children.

The meal they most commonly skip is breakfast with 37% of Black children, 24% of Hispanic children, and 22% of White children saying they only eat breakfast occasionally. Only 5% each of Hispanic and Black children skip dinner, as do 3% of White children.

Hispanic children (50%) are more likely than White (45%) and Black children (43%) to eat a meal with an adult in their family at least once a day. 

A majority of Hispanic children (56%) would be interested in meeting with a registered dietician to learn how their diet affects their health, compared to 47% of Black children and 27% of White children. Hispanic children (46%) are also more likely than Black (40%) and White children (27%) to be interested in meeting with a dietician to learn how to prepare a healthy meal.

Children say they would be more physically active if their school offered more fun programs before school (59% to 79% depending on their race/ethnicity), during classes (80% to 89%), and after school (77% to 92%). They also say they would be more active if there were more safe places to play in their neighborhood (66% to 86%) and if their friends wanted to do more physical activity (87% to 89%). [Health/Treatment/Wellness, Emerging Majorities]

Source: “Family Nutrition And Physical Activity Survey,” American Dietetic Association, Ryan O’Malley, 120 S. Riverside Plz., #2000, Chicago, IL 60606; 312-899-4769; romalley@eatright.org; www.eatright.org.

© Copyright 2011, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.

 

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