Approximately 1 in 4 US children of age 2−5 years were overweight or obese in 2015−2016.Dietary intakes in early childhood have implications for weight later in life. Moreover, obese children are at increased risk for developing diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. Because food habits are largely established early in childhood, it is recommended that obesity prevention measures are taken before children are of school age. Child care settings are an ideal environment for intervening because nearly 3 of 4 children of age 3−5 years in the US are enrolled in child care centers/ preschools or family child care homes.

The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reaches more young children in child care than any other single program. The CACFP provides full or partial reimbursement for meals and snacks served to more than 4 million children annually. Eligibility varies depending on site type, with the focus on providers and children from low-income households. Participating child care centers and family child care homes can be reimbursed for up to 3 daily meals and snacks. To qualify for reimbursement, each meal/snack must include certain components such as age-specific amounts and types of milk, fruit and vegetables, grains, and meat/ meat alternatives. For example, for a breakfast served to a child of age 3−5 years to be reimbursed, the meal must include 3 components: 6 fluid oz of milk (unflavored, lowor nonfat), half a cup of fruit and/or vegetable, and a whole-grain−rich or enriched grain product (such as half a slice of bread or a quarter cup of breakfast cereal, with grain-based desserts not counting toward the grain component).

Prior studies showed that child care sites participating in CACFP compared with those that do not serve more vegetables,9−11 whole grains12 and healthier beverages,13 and decreased provision of sweetand snack-type foods.10 Having meal-component requirements in place is a likely contributing factor. However, serving more daily meals and snacks also provides more opportunities during the day to serve a wider range of nutritious options. It is possible that the nutritional advantages of CACFP disappear after accounting for the number of eating occasions.

Journal of Pediatric Care aims to distribute information on all scientific ground and social aspects related to pediatric issues and neonatal care. Journal of Pediatric Care is a journal published bimonthly issues and is adamant to publish all topics related to Pediatrics, Neonates, Children and Adolescents research in English language. We welcome original research articles, review articles, editorials, case reports, and others from any part of the world. The broader scope of the journal will consider submissions in the following areas:  pediatric medicine, neonatal care, medicinal aspect of behavior development, care in neonatal intensive care unit, social care of infants and children and their impact on the behaviour etc.

Manuscripts are reviewed by members of the international editorial board and our expert peer reviewers, then either accepted for publication or rejected by the chief editor. Shorter articles are particularly welcome.

Submit manuscript at http://pediatrics.imedpub.com/submit-manuscript.php

Email: pediatriccare@pediatricsjournals.com

Authors are welcome to submit manuscripts through the Editor Manager System or through E-mail: pediatriccare@pediatricsjournals.com

Each submitted article will go through a plagiarism check followed by peer review process under the vigilance of an Editorial Board member. Articles will be accepted only after receiving at least two positive comments and after the consent of the assigned Editor. The journal performs a rapid review while maintaining the quality of the articles.

Regards
Editorial office
Pediatric Care
ISSN:  2471- 805X
Index Copernicus: 82.75