2.1. Study Design and Settings
RECRUITMENT
This 7-day cross-sectional intervention was designed in spring 2019, and participants were recruited in August and September 2019. The intervention study was conducted between March and June 2020.Conceptually, a kindergarten menu designed in accordance with the Guidelines can be viewed as an array of versatile foods combined in kindergarten meals to provide optimal amounts of nutrients for children’s healthy growth and development. Nutrient amounts are proportional to children’s nutrient needs and the amount of time they spend in kindergarten. Because the Guidelines provide instructions on food groups and their frequency in the daily or weekly menus, the selection of foods varies among kindergartens and depends on the person designing the menus.Twelve kindergartens situated within urban and suburban areas of Central Slovenia were contacted to participate in this study. Each kindergarten management team was briefed on the details and obligations of the study protocol. Inclusion criteria included written consent to participate and a commitment to fulfil all obligations without requesting material compensation. Based on the obtained consent from the kindergarten management teams before the study, six kindergartens were chosen—three from the Zasavje region and three from the Ljubljana region. The choice was made to ensure that all the kindergartens were from similar urbanized areas to avoid possible meal preparation and serving disparities. Recruitment of participants took place during the initial kindergarten meetings with parents when the study objectives, participation expectations, and the importance of informed parental consent were communicated. Approximately 20 children from each kindergarten were invited to participate to ensure a balanced representation of children from all kindergartens, as participants were burdened with completing a 7-day dietary record and received no financial compensation.Participating kindergartens were randomly divided into two groups: PG, which included two kindergartens from each region (The PG was given a 5-day prototype (intervention) meal plan (Thursday to Wednesday), excluding weekends (All meal plans were designed following specific Guidelines [The daily meal plan comprised a list of foods to be used for each meal. The daily meals included the same quantities (g) of all individual foods and dishes as specified in the meal plan in the quantities (g) representing the portions served to each child. The approved costs for purchasing food were not exceeded in any participating kindergartens.