While childhood involvement in sports increases physical activity, snacks at sporting events are often suboptimal. Using the health belief model as a theoretical framework, this study evaluated factors influencing parents’ selection of team snacks in a Southern California youth basketball league. Survey responses (N = 99) suggest health, convenience, and child’s snack preference influenced team snack selections; however, most parents did not desire changes in snacks. Parents desiring changes (n = 35) prioritized nutrient content of snacks more than those not desiring changes. Parents suggested limiting sugary snacks and viewed fruit as ideal, while many viewed snacks as a treat/reward for play. Future research is needed to identify behavioral targets for education or policies that resonate with parent values for snack selection in youth sports.
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