Promising Practices to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Among Head Start Caregivers and Their Children

Many children in Head Start programs do not meet physical activity (PA) and dietary intake recommendations and have increased risk for obesity. The purpose of this pilot study was to formatively assess a multi-level intervention, exploring strategies to encourage PA and healthy eating among north Texas Head Start families. In year 1, 5 Head Start sites with 217 children began the Head Start to Healthy Lifestyles (HSHL) project. Direct and indirect education strategies began in the last 2 months of the school year. Surveys were used to evaluate child and caregiver PA, healthy eating behaviors, and interagency collaboration. Strategies and barriers to adopting healthy lifestyles were assessed via grant partner discussions. Of 217 children enrolled, 109 caregivers consented to participate in research, of which 35 completed baseline surveys and 10 also submitted post surveys. The number of fruits eaten by Head Start caregivers improved (P <.05). Perceived level of collaboration among grant partners was high. Strategies appreciated by Head Start site partners included PA support in the classrooms, take-home gardens, and reading food group books. Additional needed support included tasting and on-site cooking classes. Barriers to participation included few face-to-face meetings with parents, staffing shortages post-COVID, and difficulty engaging families.