• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.206-215
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of foodservice management in organizations delivering meal boxes for low-income children during summer vacation. A survey was conducted with persons in charge of meal box production and service of these organizations via mail. Out of 114 questionnaires distributed nationwide, 100 were analyzed(87.8% analysis rate). Over half(53%) of the organizations delivered meal boxes consisting of rice and side dishes while the rest delivered side dishes only. About 81% of the organizations received KRW 3,000 per meal from their local governments and the rest received KRW 3,500. Only 28% of organizations had employed a dietitian. Over one-third(38%) of the respondents were unaware of the official nutritional standard of the foodservice program for low-income children during vacation. Most of the organizations(94%) had menu planned in advance. The average percentage of food cost was 84.1%. Over 40% of the organizations did not keep food samples for sanitation test(43%) and did not take any measures for keeping food temperature during delivery(45%). The organizations delivering rice and side dishes were more likely to be located in cities rather than rural areas and received higher reimbursement rate. The organizations receiving reimbursement of KRW 3,500 or hiring a dietitian were more likely to use standardized recipes, keep food samples for sanitation test, or take measures for keeping food temperature during delivery compared to the counterparts. Respondents reported that increasing reimbursement rate was the most necessary for improving the quality of meal box. This study results showed that the meal box delivery service for low-income children was not properly managed during the vacation, with regards to menu planning and food production. It is recommended that reimbursement rate for meal boxes should be adjusted depending on meal box types and local conditions.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1185-1200
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In the United States, one in every 5 children is obese with greater likelihood in low-income households. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have accelerated disparities in child obesity risk factors, such as poor dietary intake and increased sedentary behaviors, among low-income families because of financial difficulties, social isolation and other struggles. This study reveals insights into nutrition and health challenges among low-income families of young children in West Texas to better understand needs and develop interventions. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In-depth individual interviews were performed via Zoom among 11 families of children under the age of 3. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to explore 3 areas: changes in (1) dietary intake and (2) sedentary behaviors and (3) families' preferences regarding a parent nutrition education program. Each interview was audiorecorded, transcribed, and coded using MaxQDA software. RESULTS: Eating together as a family become challenging because of irregular work schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most parents stated that their children's dietary habits shifted with an increased consumption of processed foods. Many parents are unable to afford healthful foods and have utilized food and nutrition assistance programs to help feed their families. All families reported that their children's screen time substantially increased compared to the pre-pandemic times. Moreover, the majority of parents did not associate child screen time with an obesity risk, so this area could be of particular interest for future interventions. Meal preparation ideas, remote modality, and early timing were identified as key intervention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Online nutrition interventions that emphasize the guidelines for child screen time and regular meal routines will be effective and promising tools to reach low-income parents for early childhood health promotion and obesity prevention.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.145-154
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• 2011

This study investigated the effects of young children's learning-related skills and the maternal involvement on academic abilities. The sample consisted of 310 children from 7 child-care centers located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. All variables were measured by the teachers and the mothers of surveyed children. The instrument included the Korean Child Development Inventory(K-CDI) for 4 to 6-year olds and Preschool Learning Behavior Scale(McDermott et al 2000) and the questionnaire on mother's involvement about their children's education. The collected data was analyzed by t-test and hierarchical regression using the SPSS Program. The findings are as follows. First, regardless of the family income level, verbal comprehension and numerical abilities were positively associated with their learning-related skills of young children. Second, the interaction effect of learning-related skills and the mothers' involvement on verbal comprehension of young children in the low-income families was observed. However, no interaction effect was seen in terms of learning-related skills and the maternal involvement on verbal comprehension and numerical abilities of young children in the high-income families. These findings highlight the importance of learning-related skills and their mothers' involvement during the preschool period for the low-income family in improving the early academic achievement.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.97-106
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the Seesaw & Swing early intervention program on the positive changes of mothers with young children who come from low-income families. It measures their child-rearing efficacy and their child-rearing behaviors. The Seesaw & Swing early intervention program was developed by the Community Chest of Korea [13]. The subjects for this study consisted of 96 mothers (49 in the service group, 47 in the control group) from low-income families. The instruments used were the child-rearing efficacy scale [4] and the child-rearing behavior scale [29]. The results of this study indicated that the Seesaw & Swing early intervention program produced positive effects in child-rearing efficacy as well as in child-rearing behaviors: namely, healthy-rearing abilities, guidance abilities, and discipline abilities in child-rearing efficacy; and affection, rational guidance, authoritative control, encouragement and concern in child-rearing behaviors. In conclusion, for mothers with young children coming from low-income families, the Seesaw & Swing early intervention program can be said to be an effective parent education program, which goes some way towards ending the intergenerational transition of poverty in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Child Studies
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.89-108
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• 2008

This study used Family Group Theraplay (Munns, 2005) to investigate the effects of enhancing interaction between child and mother on mitigating developmental risks for children growing up in low-income households. The subjects for the study were selected from among Community Child Care Centers and Community Welfare Centers in Seoul. The children were in the first, second, and third grades of elementary school. Eleven child-mother dyads participated in Family Group Theraplay once a week for a total of 12 45-minute sessions. The control group consisted of 9 child-mother dyads. The Family Group Theraplay program improved interaction between the children and their mothers and also reduced children's behavior problems and mothers' parenting stress.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.51-74
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• 1991

It has been many changes in traditional Korean food habits according to the improvement of household income levels and the rise of standard of living. Therefore, the pattern of consumption in animal origin processed/convenient foods would have changed. This research aims to find the tendency of consumption in some animal origin processed/convenient foods compared with typical Korean traditional foods according to household income levels. Therefore, this survey was made on 698 children from 10 elementary schools located in Seoul. They were divided into 6 groups according to their household income levels. The data were analysed using Chi-square test and F-test in SPSS package program. From this research, the following results were obtained: 1. Their average monthly household income levels were between 500, 000~1, 500, 000 won(64.2%) and their family were of mostly 4~5 members. There were no significant differences in children's physical status among various income groups. As the household. income level increases, the food expenditure per month increases and Engel's coefficient decreases. 2. The animal origin processed/convenient foods that have no significant differences are ham, sausage, milk, yogurt, canned fish, and fish meal. The high-income groups preferred bacon, cheese, pork cutlet, and fried chicken, compared to those of low-income groups. The low-income groups preferred crab-flavored meal, compared to those of high-income groups. 3. In some Korean traditional foods, there were significant differences according to income levels. Those were Bulgogi, baked fish, fried meat, cooked fish and meat with soy-bean sauce. Fried fish and anchovy have no significant differences in food intake frequency according to household income levels. Chicken and egg saute are liked by children in every income groups. 4. Between the animal origin processed/convenient foods and the typical Korean nonprocessed traditional foods, children preferred the former regardless of income levels. In conclusion, animal origin processed/convenient food consumption patterns were not affected by household income levels.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.189-198
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the We Start center visiting intervention program on the positive changes in the developmental areas and literacy interests of young children from low-income families. The subjects were 195 young children (109 in the experimental group, M=71.7 months; 86 in the control group, M=73.3 months) living in We Start areas (Ansan, Gwangmyeong, and Suwon cities) of Gyeonggi-do. The We Start center visiting intervention programs were conducted for 30-34 weeks in each city, and pre-tests and post-tests were conducted before and after the intervention programs. The instruments used were the developmental checklist and the literacy interests test The developmental checklist consisted of 7 domains (personality & sociality; language, reading, & writing; scientific thinking; mathematical thinking; arts; social learning; and physical development). The literacy interests test consisted of 2 factors (interest in literacy and interaction during activity). The scores on the developmental checklist showed positive changes in several domains (personality & social development; language, reading, & writing ability; scientific thinking; and social learning), but not in mathematical thinking, arts, and physical development. Second, the results of the literacy interests test showed positive effects on interaction during activity and the total score. In conclusion, the We Start center visiting program for young children from low-income families is an effective early intervention program to end the intergenerational transference of poverty in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.65-85
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the major health problems of poor children, and to provide basic information for developing health care program for low income children in underserved area. Methods: Health data were collected through medical examination(KAHP Social Welfare Service) and analysed for 3,081 poor children in 106 local children's centers nationwide. Results: 1. The mean height and weight of poor children were lower than those of nonpoor children. The differences were increased by age. 2. The rate of relative low weight was higher in poor children than in nonpoor children. On the contrary, The obesity rate was higher in nonpoor children than in poor children. 3. Poor children were more likely to have vision problem, anemia, high blood pressure, and oral health problems than nonpoor children. 4. The Health problems of children were the most serious in single father family. Conclusion: In order to improve children's health status, health promotion program for poor children should be developed and implemented. Health promotion program should include activities including regular health examination, home visiting, nutrition support, managed health care, health counseling and education. And the community support network was suggested for the efficacy of the program, including home, school and community.

• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.169-181
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of living cost reduction through social welfare services and programs and to suggest the further ways of saving living cost for low-income households. For the research purpose, low-income household type was divided into three representative groups such as senior household, household with school-aged children, and household with the disabled based on the literature review. Four case households which live in permanent rental apartment in Seoul were selected as research subjects. During March 14~April 10, 2010, each household was interviewed to examine the details of monthly income and expenditure structure and types of welfare services receiving. Although some differences exist among cases, there was a definite living cost reduction effect through welfare services and programs from 12% to 150%. Household with school-aged children required diversified education programs corresponding to the children's age. Meanwhile, households including senior and the disabled indicated the necessity of convenient transportation system.

• Child Studies in Asia-Pacific Contexts
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.33-47
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of picture book reading intervention activities on language development of low-income children. The subjects were 60 children in low-income families, aged 5, selected from 24 child care centers located in three cities nearby Seoul, South Korea. The experimental group had received intervention program for 8 weeks, two days a week, and three teachers conducted the intervention program for 30 to 40 minutes for each session. The intervention program was administered to the children with picture book reading activities in the first session, followed by providing more extensive activities in the second session. Afterwards, the study allowed the children to take one picture book to read at home. To evaluate the effect of the picture book reading intervention program, this study utilized instruments called the Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale and the Concepts about Print. Significant differences found between the two groups. The experimental group showed higher scores compared with the control group in the post-test of expressive language development. Also, children in the experimental group showed a significant increase in the concepts about print after the intervention program was administered. In conclusion, findings indicate several changes in positive outcomes after implementation of the picture book reading intervention program.