Use of the Plate-Waste Method to Measure Food Intake in Children

Authors

Cheryl C. Jacko, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
Jocilyn Dellava, Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyFollow
Karen Ensle, Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyFollow
Daniel J. Hoffman, Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyFollow

Volume

45

Issue

6

Abstract

Childhood overweight is increasing in the U.S. and is often associated with excess food intake. Because children consume at least one meal in school approximately half the days each year, it is important to develop accurate and cost-effective methods to measure food intake in schools. We compared the aggregated plate waste method with actual weighed food measurements. The aggregated plate waste measurements were similar to the energy and macronutrient intake determined by weighed food measurements. The plate waste methodology is a simple and accurate method that can be implemented by Extension professionals and teachers to assess children's energy intake.

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Recommended Citation

Jacko, C. C., Dellava, J., Ensle, K., & Hoffman, D. J. (2007). Use of the Plate-Waste Method to Measure Food Intake in Children. The Journal of Extension, 45(6), Article 16. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol45/iss6/16