And collecting data on what they’re eating and doing.

In accordance with Michelle Obama’s Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), the Department of Agriculture published a proposal aimed at collecting weight measurements of children in daycare, as well as what they are eating and their level of physical activity while at home and under others’ care.

The title of the study is SNAQCS (think “snacks”) — Study on Nutrition and Wellness Quality in Childcare Settings. The notice states:

Good nutrition is a key to proper childhood development, but not enough is known about the food children are eating in childcare and related programs.

The intent of the study is to document the quality of meals and snacks offered in childcare facilities… the types of activities that might promote or inhibit healthy weight and development… The study will take place in the context of heightened concern about adequate nutrition, diet quality and obesity in young children.

In addition, staff at childcare facilities are instructed to measure the height and weight of each child. It is also requesting a “Child Food Diary” from the parents: one for a typical “childcare day” as well as from a “non-childcare day.” Parents are also required to complete a parent interview.

The new data collected will be in addition to previous data collected in 2010 after the initial passage of HHFKA. An estimated 12,472 parents, young children, and childcare staff and sponsors will participate in the survey.