The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) has announced the recent launch of a new statewide initiative, “Chop, Look, Listen,” designed to prevent choking in young children. This educational campaign targets child care providers, parents, and caregivers, highlighting essential safety fundamentals to protect Georgia’s children from the preventable danger of choking during mealtimes.

The urgency of the campaign is underscored by grim statistics: on average, a child dies every five days in the United States from choking on food, with children under the age of three facing the highest risk.

“Chop, Look, Listen” was developed in response to data gathered from nearly 500 child care providers across Georgia, who identified the understanding of appropriate food size by age as a critical need for ensuring child safety at mealtimes. The campaign will disseminate vital information through flyers, posters, social media, and resources specifically designed for parents and caregivers to promote safe mealtime practices both in childcare settings and at home.

The campaign’s core messages are straightforward and actionable:

• Chop: Prepare the food right, ensuring it’s cut into appropriate sizes and shapes.
• Look: Actively observe children while they are eating.
• Listen: Sit with children and engage with them during meals, fostering a calm eating environment.

Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner of DECAL, emphasized the collaborative effort required. “This campaign provides child care providers with essential information about preparing food for young children and other actions adults can take to protect children while they eat,” said Commissioner Jacobs. “Keeping children safe at mealtimes takes all of us working together to apply common sense strategies related to feeding children.”

Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking due to their narrower windpipes, which are roughly the diameter of a drinking straw. While choking hazards exist even for older children, certain food characteristics, such as shape, size, and texture, significantly increase the risk.

Pam Stevens, Deputy Director for Child Care Licensing, reiterated the preventable nature of such incidents. “Choking is preventable. Young children do not have the cognitive skills, behavioral control, or experience to chew well and eat slowly,” Stevens noted. “Whether you’re caring for children in a child care program, at home, or in the community, we all can play a role in reducing choking deaths in Georgia.”

Beyond the public awareness campaign, DECAL’s nutrition team also offers hands-on training to child care providers, providing practical guidance on food safety and preparation techniques.

DECAL encourages everyone who cares for young children to visit their dedicated campaign website at https://www.decal.ga.gov/CCS/Choplooklisten.aspx to access free resources and learn the “Chop, Look, Listen” safety practices. These simple yet critical practices are designed to make mealtimes significantly safer for Georgia’s children.