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Impact Report

For plan KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior (Valencia County)
Date October 28, 2010, 8:19 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR Heart and chronic lower respiratory diseases, cancer, stroke and diabetes, each of which has links to diet, are five of the leading causes of death in Valencia County. The objectives of our various nutrition/health related programs are to increase the knowledge of the relationship between one’s health and the food they eat and the importance of food safety, preparation, resource management and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle which can assist with management or even prevention of these serious health issues. Kitchen Creations Within this past reporting year, 50 Valencia County residents participated in the four session Kitchen Creations Diabetes Cooking Schools. After the first class, over 80% reported an increase in knowledge in the following areas: the recommended Dietary guidelines, healthy food choices and meal planning, the 50/50 plate method to help control diabetes and the importance of physical activity. Over 60% indicated that they would plan to use the Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid, monitor portion sizes, adopt new food prep and meal planning techniques and follow the 50/50 plate method. Less than 30% reported that they planned on increasing their physical activity level although they were aware of the importance of physical activity. The most reported reason for the lack of commitment in increasing physical activity included physical challenges that currently prevented participants from exercising. After the second class, over 60% of participants reported an understanding of the 4 principles of food safety that should be followed while preparing food. Additionally, participants (over 80%) reported an increased knowledge of label reading, portion size and alternatives to sugar when preparing food. Over 60% of participants reported they had a greater understanding of the importance and benefits of adding vegetables and whole grains to their diet after the third class. Participants (over 80%) further indicated they had increased their knowledge on basic preparation methods for vegetables, beans and grains. ICAN Since November 2009, the Valencia County ICAN program has graduated 306 adults and 890 youth. After having participated in the first class, over 80% of participants reported a greater understanding of the food pyramid and portion sizes. In the class sessions regarding making the most of your food dollars, over 80% of participants reported an increase in their knowledge of meal planning and food budgeting. Over 80% of participants who participated in the class on label reading reported that they intend to make more of an effort to read labels and choose healthier foods keeping in mind fats, sugars and salts. Food Safety and Preparation Demonstrations During the past 12 months over 900 Valencia County residents participated in nutrition related presentations at the local farmers’ markets (Los Lunas & Belen) , community health and education fairs (UNM, VCCP, Daniel Fernandez) and baking/cooking programs conducted at agencies (El Cerro Mission Community Center, New Mexico Women’s Recovery Program, Hogares, and YDI) throughout the county. Participants had an opportunity to view cooking techniques, learn of new foods and observe food handling safety techniques. In addition, publications were provided regarding food budgeting, preservation, portion size, food safety and numerous healthy recipes. Although these were typically one time presentations, over 95% of those participating reported an increase in knowledge related to nutrition/health. Sixty percent reported an increase in knowledge of food preparation techniques while over 75% reported having gained a better understanding of food safety (handling, storing, preserving). One participant in a food preparation demonstration using vegetables stated, “I can’t believe you have my husband eating vegetables! He’s 65 years old and I don’t think he’s ever eaten a vegetable. Yet he’s sent me over here to pick up the recipe you’ve prepared. He not only ate his portion, he ate mine, too! I’ll definitely be preparing this dish at home.” An 8 year old participant in a cooking class wrote, “Today I lern (learned) why I wash my hands. Bugs (germs) stay on hand. I don’t want to eat bugs in my food and get sick.” Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Monthly Newsletter Over 250 Valencia County residents receive the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service newsletter via email or mail. Monthly articles and links to additional family and consumer science information have been provided by the home economist. Residents receiving this publication have been provided with recipes, food preparation techniques, safe food handling guidelines, nutrition information, ideas for healthy snacks and food budgeting tips. OrganWiseGuys The OrganWiseGuys program was introduced to 21 qualifying K-2nd grade teachers. Teachers participated in hands on learning activities to increase their understanding of the goals and objectives of the OWG program. After participating in the introduction workshop, 60% of the teachers expressed an interest and enthusiasm for the OWG program and 75% indicated an understanding of the importance of encouraging children to increase their physical activity level. It was determined after the training that the teachers wanting to participate in the OWG program would schedule additional training with the HE with the goal of implementing the program in the spring of 2011.