More than half the children in a recent survey ate something at least 5 times per day, and snacking appears to have increased in the last decade. Our busy lifestyles leave less time for preparing regular meals.
Snacks play a significant role in the nourishment of children.
This is an increase over data from 1977 surveys. Although children are snacking more, this does not seem to have had a marked effect on total calorie and nutrient intakes. However, there is continuing concern about the sugar, salt, and fat content of snack food choices. So snacks are a fact of life for our children. It does matter.