KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior (Roosevelt County)

America By Food, The Key Ingredient: The Smithsonian Exhibit was housed at Eastern New Mexico University Golden Library for six weeks during 2008. The exhibit which centered on food, as does American life, featured cultural and historical information and photographs. Home economist was a key member of the committee consisting of local sponsors lead by Chairman Dr. Merlene Olmsted of Eastern New Mexico University, Sharon King, Roosevelt Co. Chamber of Commerce, and various community members which met monthly from 2006 to 2008. Over 6,000 people attended the exhibit and the other activities from around the state as well as across state lines. Home economist visited with local service groups and Extension Clubs to organize over 80 docents to serve during the exhibit. In addition to the exhibit, the committee planned numerous activities that revolved around the America by Food theme. A community book read was held at the public library. Food related movies were held each week; a food related chorale was presented at Eastern New Mexico University, Kid’s Day and a host of other activities. Agent was also responsible for serving as a key person during the grand opening and had the privilege of cutting the ribbon and accepting the Mayor’s proclamation, leading a discussion on the movie “Super-Size Me”, presenting a cooking school on “Eat Smart Cooking” during the New Mexico Ag Expo and New Mexico Association of Family and Consumer Sciences meeting held during this time, participating in the “Local Flavors Day”, participating in and preparing the display for a food related quilt show held during the exhibit and participating in one of the Iron Chef competitions. As a result of these activities, over 6,000 participants of all ages were made aware of the importance of food in our society, the importance of agriculture as it applies to the food we eat, and the cultural importance of food. Participants learned the importance of eating together in family, community and social settings as a part of our culture. Good nutrition practices were stressed to participants.

The ICAN program in Roosevelt County utilizes one Nutrition Educator to provide a multitude of hands-on learning experiences in the areas of nutrition, food preparation, food safety and food budgeting by providing programming to limited resource residents. The home economist provides training and advice to the educator as she sees a need. In our county 7 adult graduates and 201 youth graduates were obtained. These graduates attended the proper number of classes required for graduation from the program. During these classes they learned about My Pyramid, healthy food choices, importance of exercise, managing their food budget and others. Participants comment about learning more about eating healthy and feeding their families. Numerous one time programs have also been given at commodity distribution and various agencies. Indirect contacts of 1515 adults and 2580 food stamp recipients have also been made with handouts that feature healthy recipe choices and information. The youth graduates have some from Steiner Elementary, Headstart, Toyland, Academy of angels and the Portales Recreation Center.

“Fix It & Forget It Meals” was offered by Home Economist to a large group of men and women at the NM Ag Expo held annual in Portales, sponsored by Roosevelt Co. Extension Office, Roosevelt Co. Chamber of Commerce and a host of local business and individuals. This program featured food preparation skills and food safety information using the slow cooker to allow a greater degree of control of ingredients, more meals eaten at home instead of at restaurants and fast food establishments and ease of food preparation. Participants were excited to be reintroduced to slow cooking and the variety of recipes they were unaware that could be used with this preparation method. Many participants have commented through out the year that they are using these recipes and cooking methods frequently.

“No Mess-No Fuss Meals” was presented by Home Economist to ENMU Family and Consumer Science class, High Plains Quilt Festival attendees and Delta Kappa Gama. This demonstration featured recipes with allowed ease of preparation and clean up, advanced food preparation as well as other recipes that were quick and easy additions. Participants learned about using slow cookers, slow cooker liners, cooking in an oven bag in the microwave and conventional oven, foil packet cooking and more. Participants have repeatedly reported using these recipes and ideas.

Home Economist in collaboration with Judy Cox, RD and Eastern New Mexico University Family and Consumer Science Department offered the four series Kitchen Creations, A Cooking School for Diabetics, Their Families and Caregivers. Participants entered the classes with a limited knowledge of diabetes and reported leaving with an increased knowledge and understanding of the disease and controlling their blood glucose levels through diet and exercise. This class focused on healthy food choices including balancing low and high carbohydrate foods through methods such as the 50/50 plate and food preparations skills. Participants were given a pedometer at the first class and they reported their steps at the end of the four week period. Many of the participants reported an increase each week in the number of steps taken and were able to see a relationship between exercise and lower blood glucose and an overall feeling of well being.

As a follow-up to Kitchen Creations, the Joslin Keep Moving Keep Healthy class was offered on the fifth week for those interested, which was about half of the class, in continuing. At this class the participants were given a video tape and elastic stretch band along with a booklet explaining how important exercise is to the diabetic and their blood glucose levels. They were given tips about how to add exercise into their daily schedules and an awareness of what prevents them from doing this. They were also encouraged to take their blood glucose before and after exercise to understand how it can be lowered by exercise. A follow-up and potluck was held four weeks later. The attendance again decreased however those that attended reported that the video was helpful in increasing their exercise or that they would use it more during the winter months. This group also kept recording daily steps. One participant more than doubled the amount of steps she had been taking before the class. She was able to see the greatest benefit in her blood glucose levels.

Connie S. Moyers has signed on to support KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior within Roosevelt County.