Assessment of dietary intake of preschool children living in a homeless shelter

Families with young children are the fastest-growing group among the homele ss population. This study was undertaken by nursing students and faculty to learn more about what homeless preschool children were fed and what they a te at one family shelter in the Southwest. Results from the study were shar ed with the entire shelter staff. Mothers who participated in the study wer e given information on age-appropriate food preparation and servings. This research reveals the important role nurses can play in documenting and teac hing both shelter staff and homeless mothers more about children's dietary needs and the long-term health outcomes of a proper diet. Copyright (C) 200 1 by W.B. Saunders Company.