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Impact Report

For plan KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior (Chaves County)
Date October 31, 2011, 1:11 am
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report “Twenty Minute Meals” was the leaders training topic for April. Participants gained knowledge in area of food safety, meal planning, meal preparation and nutrition. 100% of participants participated in the hands on cooking activity with 100 % mastery of preparing a nutritious meal in twenty minutes. The agent compiled a booklet on twenty minutes meals called “What’s For Dinner.” One member commented that she was so excited to try some of the new, easy recipes for family as she didn’t always have time to cook. “Five Ingredients or Less” program was present to Extension Club members by Dr. Carol Turner, Food and Nutrition Specialist. Participants gained knowledge in areas of healthier eating, cooking techniques, and adapting a recipe to make it healthier. 80% of participants said they would change one thing in their diet to make it healthier where as the other 20% felt that they were making healthy choices. Participants then taught program to other Extension members. Kitchen Creation-Diabetic Cooking School Kitchen Creation Diabetic Cooking School was held at the Chaves County Extension Office in February and March. The cooking school is advertised extensively by way of flyers, brochures, displays, newspaper, newsletters and radio. Twenty three (23) participants and support persons attended the four part series. The home economist along with a Registered Dietician from Eastern New Mexico Medical Center instructed the participants on key concepts such as carbohydrate counting, understanding food labels, portion control, diabetic pyramid and menu planning. At the end of the series, 95% of participants gained knowledge in these concepts and left away empowered over their diabetes. Many comments were given through written evaluations, but overall participants appreciated the information provided about their disease, hands-on cooking activities, and the fact that the classes offered were free. One participant wrote “this class has inspired me to make more of a commitment to not only pay more attention to what I’m eating, but also figure out what portion sizes to eat.” The Home Economist along with a 4-H parent/volunteer team taught nutrition lessons on how to fight bacteria and keep food safe at the Progressive Ag Safety Day Camp in April. A puppet show and food safety train model was used as teaching tools to reinforce the teaching concepts. “Who Wants To Be A Germ Buster?” was the title of the presentation. Approximately 2000 elementary school students from Chaves County and Lea County along with their teachers and chaperones gained knowledge in the importance of hand washing, refrigerating foods, washing fruits and vegetables and keeping counters clean. Evaluations reflected that the program was very well received and enjoyed by the students. Strong Women, Strong Bones, a program to help prevent osteoporosis was offered at Senior Circle, Dexter High School and Roswell Adult Center. This agent conducted classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Senior Circle, Monday and Wednesday night at Roswell Adult Center, and Monday and Wednesday afternoon at Dexter High School. Paula Wilks from Comfort Keepers Community Relations Director/office manager helped lead the classes at Senior Circle. Strong Women Strong Bones Informational meetings were held each of these sites. At this meeting, participants learned about osteoporosis and how weight bearing exercises can help prevent this disease. They also learned about the other advantages of weight bearing exercises and requirements of the class. Classes then began the following week. A total of four (4) twelve week programs were conducted at Senior Circle and two (2) twelve week programs at Roswell Adult Center and one twelve week class at Dexter Middle School for a total of 216 classes held and 4110 contacts. 75% of participants continue exercise through participation in the Strong Women Strong Bones class or exercising at home.