Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

The relationship between food gap and dietary habits among preschool children is a crucial aspect of public health and nutrition. This study aims to explore the correlation between food gaps—defined as periods when households experience insufficient food supply—and the dietary habits of preschool children aged 3-5 years. The research was conducted through a cross-sectional survey involving 385 preschool-aged children in rural areas. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls, assessing the frequency and types of food consumed and food gap status.

A significant gap was observed in fruit consumption, with only 0.3% of children meeting the recommended daily intake of fruits. In contrast, 100% of the children met the recommended vegetable intake guidelines. There was a relatively low consumption of certain foods such as non-veg soup (12.5%), fast food (7.8%), and soda (13.8%), while more children consumed eggs (30.4%), dry fruits (28.1%), and cereals (28.1%). The high consumption of juice/fruit drinks (23.6%) and the low intake of fruits suggest potential over-reliance on sugary beverages as a source of perceived fruit intake and also multiple regression analyses indicated that food access significantly predicted dietary habits, accounting for 40.15% of the variance in children’s fruit, vegetable and other processed food intake on daily basis.

The findings of this study underscore significant dietary gaps in the eating habits of preschool children, particularly the low fruit consumption and high reliance on sugary beverages. Promoting Fruit Consumption: Given that only 0.3% of children met the recommended daily fruit intake, nutrition education programs for both parents and children, alongside school-based fruit availability initiatives, could encourage healthier fruit choices. Reducing Sugary Drink Intake: The high consumption of juice and soda (23.6% and 13.8%, respectively) suggests a need for campaigns to reduce sugary drink intake. Schools and daycare centers can introduce healthier drink options, such as water or unsweetened beverages, and educate families about the risks of excessive sugar consumption. Improving Protein and Dairy Consumption: While a substantial percentage of children consumed eggs (30.4%) and dairy (16.6%), these could be further promoted to ensure that preschoolers receive adequate protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Initiatives like fortified snacks or school meal programs could help bridge the gap in nutrient-rich foods. Balanced Diet Promotion: The study highlights the need for a more balanced diet, with a stronger emphasis on increasing fruit intake while maintaining high vegetable consumption. This can be achieved through curriculum integration in preschools, family outreach programs, and providing accessible resources to parents for meal planning.

This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits among preschool children. Policies enhancing food assistance programs, nutritional education for parents, and community support systems are vital to mitigate the adverse effects of food gaps on young children's health and development. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships and explore the long-term impacts of food insecurity on dietary habits and health outcomes in this vulnerable population.