KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior (Eddy County)

The Home Economist organized the Kitchen Creations Diabetic Cooking School for citizens of Eddy County. People with diabetes and some family members participated in the four part program. A Registered Dietician instructed 14 participants on key components such as using the diabetic food pyramid, the 50/50 plate method, portioning, menu planning, reading food labels, and making healthy food choices for diabetes. The classes were held at the Eddy County Extension Office. The Home Economist taught the participants about safe food handling and the importance of physical activity during two of the classes. The Home Economist also assisted participants as they prepared foods that are appropriate for people with diabetes. The participants then sampled the foods prepared and discussed the ingredients commonly used in diabetic recipes. Participants were encouraged to include at least thirty minutes of physical activity daily and reported their physical activity weekly at each session. The Dietician and the Home Economist discussed the need for more of these types of programs throughout the county and agreed to work together again to coordinate another diabetic cooking school in the fall at the north end of the county.

In collaboration with the Artesia Garden Gushers Farmers Market the Home Economist conducted food demonstrations once monthly at the market. Vendors donated various produce to be used in cooking demonstrations and the public consumers at the market sampled a number of new recipes. The Home Economist worked with the vendors to promote food safety at the farmers market among vendors and the customers. Demonstrations included how to sneak more fruits and vegetables into traditional dishes, safe canning techniques, using vegetables in diabetic recipes, and various vegetable and fruit salsas. The Home Economist also tested pressure canners while at the market.

The Home Economist conducted two sessions of “Snacks and Smiles” for the Carlsbad AWARE Program. The program was delivered to Childcare providers as a means to suggest incorporating more nutritious snacks in childcare centers. Each two hour session included nutritional value of common snacks, and how to sneak more nutrients into snacking. Those snacks presented in the program were also cost effective and stressed the importance of choosing seasonal food items to reduce cost. The program encouraged providers to include children in making snacks in order to encourage them to try new things. The Home Economist included literacy as some story books can lead into snacking sessions. The providers gained training hours towards certification upon completing the classes.

The ICAN nutrition program was implemented in Eddy County as an educator was hired in July. The program is a key component in nutrition education provided for citizens of the county. The Home Economist provides support and supervision to one nutrition educator who teaches youth and adults basic nutrition components. The ICAN program offers participants information on making healthy food choices, reading food labels, basic food preparation skills, food safety, and food resources management. The program is taught in series of four to eight classes and is offered in schools, head start programs, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions, the Income Support Division, church groups, PTO meetings, and various others. Though the program was started later in the program year, ICAN has already demonstrated the great need for nutrition education among adults and children in Eddy County.

The Home Economist worked with the New Mexico Environmental Department to facilitate a Food Service program to Extension Homemakers, and other interested community members in order to educate on the risks and regulations for food safety. A total of 10 participants attended the six hour training. The information provided during the training pertained to serving food safely, food borne illnesses, and prevention methods, as well as the state regulations for commercial food service. This training will help Extension Homemakers from Eddy County as they serve food to the public at fairs and other events as fundraisers.