KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior

LIFEWORK LEARNING

The Home Economist teaches monthly classes coinciding with the Lifework Learning curriculum. In the 2010 program year seven classes pertaining to parenting, nutrition and food safety were taught. The parenting classes were carried out using The Strengthening Families Initiative curriculum. Through these classes 61 parents learned to communicate feelings and how to praise children and their behavior. They also gained basic food safety knowledge, healthy snack ideas, serving sizes, and MyPyramid basics. Seventy-five percent of the participants said they would be taking the information and skills learned and applying it within their family’s household. One parent stated, “Very useful information. Very informative and excellent snack ideas to give my kid.”

METHAMPHETAMINE AWARENESS

Home Economist educated 113 students about the harmful affects and consequences of meth. Participants learned what a meth lab is, how to spot one, when to call the police and who to contact for help. Meth booklets and posters from the Attorney General’s Office were handed out. One hundred percent of students pledged to be meth free.

IDEAS FOR COOKING AND NUTRITION (ICAN) PROGRAMMING

ICAN provides hands-on education related to healthy food choices, food preparation, food safety and food resource management. ICAN is an EFNEP and SNAP-Ed funded program. Home Economist supervises 2 educators who teach the ICAN curriculum. Participants attend four classes to graduate from the program. In the 2009 fiscal year 1509 youth participated in a kIdsCAN lesson. 292 youth graduated from the program. 604 adults participated in an ICAN lesson and 85 adults graduated from the program. Participants gained skills in making nutritious, tasty foods that are quick and easy to prepare as well as how to make the most of their food dollars and food benefits. One youth stated, “I have changed what I eat I used to have junk and now I have healthy food.”

The New Mexico Human Services Department acts as a pass through agency for the SNAP-Ed funding through a Joint Powers agreement with the Regents of New Mexico State University, Cooperative Extension Service. As stated in the ICAN manual “Income Support Division field offices will continue their efforts to assist in making SNAP participants aware of the ICAN program.” Home Economist scheduled a meeting with the County ISD Director and State HSD Chief to build ICAN programming in Sandoval County. As a result of the meeting ICAN was given space in the reception to display posters and brochures. 20 case workers attended an ICAN class and were given referral cards and brochures to promote classes. Scheduling for monthly booths and ICAN classes at the ISD facility also occurred as a result of the meeting. Phone calls and interest in the program has increased.

HEALTHY DRINKS

The Home Economist informed 212 students in two school districts about healthy drink choices. Students learned the basics of reading a nutrition facts label, sugar and caffeine content of energy drinks, sodas, Gatorade, flavored water, and coffee. The Home Economist stressed the importance of drinking water over flavored water, sodas, and energy drinks. Fifty-two percent of students said they would read labels before buying their next beverage and choose water or 100% juice over soda and energy drinks.

FAIRS AND PROMOTION

The Home Economist worked diligently to promote home economic programs, 4-H and other services provided by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service through participation in a number of community venues by providing educational curriculum and learning experiences at the following events:
*Cuba Farmer’s Market
Attendees gained knowledge on food preservation and food safety.
*Indian Livestock Days
Attendees gained knowledge on portion distortion & nutrition.
*2010 Western Regional Leaders Forum
Attendees increased awareness of methamphetamine use and abuse.