Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior (Chaves County)
Plan Goals
Improve health of Chaves County residents through healthy food choices, food preparation skills and food resource management
- Owner
- Related Plans
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KA 703. Nutrition Education and Behavior
Impact Reports
“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.
“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.
Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition
Chaves County’s ICAN Nutrition program reached 1200 youth and 176 adult graduates, 3500 direct contacts and 50,000 indirect contacts. The home economist provides support to two ICAN Nutrition Educators who teach a series of four to six nutrition classes to youth and adults in schools and outside the school setting. The home economist assisted with developing the County Action Plan and keeping it updated. Sites included Headstart, Roswell Independent Schools, ENMU-Roswell, GED Classes, Family Resource and Referral, Teen Pregnancy Center, Housing Division, Esperanza, Curves, Senior Olympics, Upward Bound, and Higher Horizons. Participants increase their knowledge in health food choices, food preparation skills, food resource management and food safety.
Chaves County’s ICAN Nutrition program reached 1200 youth and 176 adult graduates, 3500 direct contacts and 50,000 indirect contacts. The home economist provides support to two ICAN Nutrition Educators who teach a series of four to six nutrition classes to youth and adults in schools and outside the school setting. The home economist assisted with developing the County Action Plan and keeping it updated. Sites included Headstart, Roswell Independent Schools, ENMU-Roswell, GED Classes, Family Resource and Referral, Teen Pregnancy Center, Housing Division, Esperanza, Curves, Senior Olympics, Upward Bound, and Higher Horizons. Participants increase their knowledge in health food choices, food preparation skills, food resource management and food safety.
2010 General Nutrition
Strong Women, Strong Bones, a program to help prevent osteoporosis was offered at Senior Circle and Roswell Adult Center. This agent conducted classes on Monday/Friday for Senior Circle and Tuesday/Thursday for Roswell Adult Center. Jill Dennis from Comfort Keepers Community Relations Director helped lead the classes at Senior Circle. The twelve week Strong Women Strong Bones classes concluded in December 2009. The agent worked with Senior Circle and Roswell Adult Center Sites to plan for the next twelve week session. Fliers were distributed to participants about upcoming session. Two Strong Women Strong Bones Informational meetings were held one at Senior Circle and the other at Roswell Adult Center. 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 began the following week. A total of four (4) twelve week programs were conducted at Senior Circle and three (3) twelve week programs at Roswell Adult Center from October 2009 through September 2010 with one hundred nineteen (119) classes were held with 2,104 contacts. One participant shared her story about being able to lift her carry-on luggage into the overhead bin by herself where as a year ago she could not do this. Another participant shared that she went back to the doctor after being diagnosed with osteopenia and new test results showed she was no longer in this range and her bone density had improved.
The agent had the opportunity to meet Dr. Couture, President of NMSU while Dr. Couture was conducting a campus visit at Carlsbad. The agent presented a power point slide presentation on the Strong Women Strong Bones program in Chaves County. Agents from Eddy and Lea also presented programs on Progressive Ag Safety Day, Kitchen Creations- Diabetic Cooking School and the methamphetamine coalition.
“Building Strong Bones for Life: Preventing Osteoporosis” was the program presented by this agent to the Extension Clubs in form of a Leader’s Training, New Mexico Senior Olympics Senior Trek, and Misslamo Extension Club. This program focuses on the importance of bone health, risk factors of osteoporosis, five simple prevention steps, and weight bearing exercises. Participants gained knowledge in the area of osteoporosis prevention and several commented on what they would do to stop this silent disease. One participant thought the information provided was valuable that she asked the agent to present this program at two senior sites next year.
The home economist served on the Enhanced Fitness Program committee sponsored by NM Senior Olympics of Chaves County. Enhanced Fitness is an exercise program for senior adults that helps with balance, flexibility, strength, and cardio. One class had been started at the Joy Center in Roswell and another will soon be underway. The agent was also trained in this program so she could serve as a substitute instructor along with helping others in forming new classes.
“Brain Blitz”- Keeping Your Brain Functioning at its Best was the program presented by this agent to the Extension Clubs in form of a Leader’s Training. Participants gained knowledge in identifying potential causes of mental confusion and forgetfulness. They also discovered and practiced techniques to stimulate mental functioning, utilized memory tools and techniques to trigger memory and were able to recognize typical age-related and more serious mental functioning changes. One participant thought the information provided was very valuable that she asked the agent to present this program at two senior sites next year. Over 100 participants received this information along with 250 booklets distributed to members and general public. This program was also presented to members that belong to the fitness program “Curves.”
Two of the four Kitchen Creations-Diabetic Cooking School classes were held the month of February and the last two were held the month of March with twenty three (23) diabetics and/or support persons in attendance. The agent was responsible for advertising the diabetic cooking school, acquiring a Certified Diabetes Educator, mail outs to participants, ordering materials, and food preparation. During the first week, participants learned about glucose levels, carbohydrates, labels, 50/50 plate, meal planning and portion control. The second week, participants learned to recognize that carbohydrates raise blood glucose, to use the Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid, to identify serving size, number of servings and grams of carbohydrates on food labels, cooking properties of sugars and artificial sweeteners. At the third class participants learned the importance and benefits of increasing consumption of foods in the vegetables group. During the fourth class participants gained knowledge in Heart Healthy Foods and how to cook foods that are low in fat and sodium and high in fiber. The agent along with the Certified Diabetes Educator teaches the lessons and cooking.
“Portion Control” was the program presented to employees of Comfort Keepers. Comfort Keepers is an agency in Roswell that provides quality in home care to seniors and other clients who need help with the activities of daily living. Employees are often responsible for meal planning, preparation and serving food to their clients. Ninety three (93) employees gained knowledge in the area of portion control, 50/50 plate, serving sizes and food guide pyramid.
The agent presented a nutrition Program on “Life’s Simple 7 Steps to a Healthy Heart” at Villa Del Rey Retirement Home. Twenty Five (25) residents were in attendance and learned the importance of getting active, eating better, losing or maintain weight, stopping smoking, controlling cholesterol, managing blood pressure and reducing blood sugar.
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 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. Roswell Contacts: 1132 Youth 933 Adults 199 White 420 Hispanic 712 Females 567 Males 565 . Artesia and Carlsbad Contacts: 850
“Eating For Your Eyes” was the topic for May’s Leaders Training. The agent presented the eye health program to Extension Club members. Participants gained knowledge in eye diseases, risk factors involved with eye diseases, nutrition for your eyes, what to eat for eye health and healthy recipes. The agent provided each participant with a Vision Simulator Card, which enabled the participants to experience what it is like to see with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. One member commented that she had heard of the eye diseases but had no idea that is how the person is affected when they have the disease. Over 100 participants received this information along with 250 booklets distributed to members and general public.
Strong Women, Strong Bones, a program to help prevent osteoporosis was offered at Senior Circle and Roswell Adult Center. This agent conducted classes on Monday/Friday for Senior Circle and Tuesday/Thursday for Roswell Adult Center. Jill Dennis from Comfort Keepers Community Relations Director helped lead the classes at Senior Circle. The twelve week Strong Women Strong Bones classes concluded in December 2009. The agent worked with Senior Circle and Roswell Adult Center Sites to plan for the next twelve week session. Fliers were distributed to participants about upcoming session. Two Strong Women Strong Bones Informational meetings were held one at Senior Circle and the other at Roswell Adult Center. 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 began the following week. A total of four (4) twelve week programs were conducted at Senior Circle and three (3) twelve week programs at Roswell Adult Center from October 2009 through September 2010 with one hundred nineteen (119) classes were held with 2,104 contacts. One participant shared her story about being able to lift her carry-on luggage into the overhead bin by herself where as a year ago she could not do this. Another participant shared that she went back to the doctor after being diagnosed with osteopenia and new test results showed she was no longer in this range and her bone density had improved.
The agent had the opportunity to meet Dr. Couture, President of NMSU while Dr. Couture was conducting a campus visit at Carlsbad. The agent presented a power point slide presentation on the Strong Women Strong Bones program in Chaves County. Agents from Eddy and Lea also presented programs on Progressive Ag Safety Day, Kitchen Creations- Diabetic Cooking School and the methamphetamine coalition.
“Building Strong Bones for Life: Preventing Osteoporosis” was the program presented by this agent to the Extension Clubs in form of a Leader’s Training, New Mexico Senior Olympics Senior Trek, and Misslamo Extension Club. This program focuses on the importance of bone health, risk factors of osteoporosis, five simple prevention steps, and weight bearing exercises. Participants gained knowledge in the area of osteoporosis prevention and several commented on what they would do to stop this silent disease. One participant thought the information provided was valuable that she asked the agent to present this program at two senior sites next year.
The home economist served on the Enhanced Fitness Program committee sponsored by NM Senior Olympics of Chaves County. Enhanced Fitness is an exercise program for senior adults that helps with balance, flexibility, strength, and cardio. One class had been started at the Joy Center in Roswell and another will soon be underway. The agent was also trained in this program so she could serve as a substitute instructor along with helping others in forming new classes.
“Brain Blitz”- Keeping Your Brain Functioning at its Best was the program presented by this agent to the Extension Clubs in form of a Leader’s Training. Participants gained knowledge in identifying potential causes of mental confusion and forgetfulness. They also discovered and practiced techniques to stimulate mental functioning, utilized memory tools and techniques to trigger memory and were able to recognize typical age-related and more serious mental functioning changes. One participant thought the information provided was very valuable that she asked the agent to present this program at two senior sites next year. Over 100 participants received this information along with 250 booklets distributed to members and general public. This program was also presented to members that belong to the fitness program “Curves.”
Two of the four Kitchen Creations-Diabetic Cooking School classes were held the month of February and the last two were held the month of March with twenty three (23) diabetics and/or support persons in attendance. The agent was responsible for advertising the diabetic cooking school, acquiring a Certified Diabetes Educator, mail outs to participants, ordering materials, and food preparation. During the first week, participants learned about glucose levels, carbohydrates, labels, 50/50 plate, meal planning and portion control. The second week, participants learned to recognize that carbohydrates raise blood glucose, to use the Diabetes Food Guide Pyramid, to identify serving size, number of servings and grams of carbohydrates on food labels, cooking properties of sugars and artificial sweeteners. At the third class participants learned the importance and benefits of increasing consumption of foods in the vegetables group. During the fourth class participants gained knowledge in Heart Healthy Foods and how to cook foods that are low in fat and sodium and high in fiber. The agent along with the Certified Diabetes Educator teaches the lessons and cooking.
“Portion Control” was the program presented to employees of Comfort Keepers. Comfort Keepers is an agency in Roswell that provides quality in home care to seniors and other clients who need help with the activities of daily living. Employees are often responsible for meal planning, preparation and serving food to their clients. Ninety three (93) employees gained knowledge in the area of portion control, 50/50 plate, serving sizes and food guide pyramid.
The agent presented a nutrition Program on “Life’s Simple 7 Steps to a Healthy Heart” at Villa Del Rey Retirement Home. Twenty Five (25) residents were in attendance and learned the importance of getting active, eating better, losing or maintain weight, stopping smoking, controlling cholesterol, managing blood pressure and reducing blood sugar.
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 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. Roswell Contacts: 1132 Youth 933 Adults 199 White 420 Hispanic 712 Females 567 Males 565 . Artesia and Carlsbad Contacts: 850
“Eating For Your Eyes” was the topic for May’s Leaders Training. The agent presented the eye health program to Extension Club members. Participants gained knowledge in eye diseases, risk factors involved with eye diseases, nutrition for your eyes, what to eat for eye health and healthy recipes. The agent provided each participant with a Vision Simulator Card, which enabled the participants to experience what it is like to see with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. One member commented that she had heard of the eye diseases but had no idea that is how the person is affected when they have the disease. Over 100 participants received this information along with 250 booklets distributed to members and general public.
Kitchen Creations
A total of 785 individuals (White 41%, Hispanic 39%, Native American 17%, African American 1%, Asian American 1%, Other 1%) participated in 45 Kitchen Creations cooking schools in 26 counties during 2009. Classes were team taught by local Extension Home Economists and a health care professional. Four bilingual cooking schools were held during FY09, one in Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Lea, and Luna Counties.
Kitchen Creations cooking schools consist of four, three-hour long lessons. The cooking schools feature current nutrition recommendations for people with diabetes and hands-on food preparation and cooking experiences. Participants completed demographics and knowledge questionnaire and program evaluations at the completion of the cooking school.
Funding for Kitchen Creations is provided in part through a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health ($197,000).
ICAN
Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition Program (ICAN) is the umbrella name used in New Mexico to refer to both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP ED) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) programs. The primary goal of the ICAN program is to provide individuals with limited resources educational programs that increase the likelihood of all participants making healthy food choices consistent with the most recent dietary advice as reflected in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPyramid.
During FY09 SNAP ED reached 24,964 adults (White 25.1%, African American 2.1%, Native American 14.4%, Asian 0.9%, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.3%, Hispanic 57.2%) and 37,461 youth (White 16.1%, African American 2.3%, Native American 12.3%, Asian 0.3%, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.1%, Hispanic 58.9%) in 474 sites in New Mexico, including the Zuni Reservation with the following results:
The Adult Behavior Survey is administered in a pre/post format. During FY09 participants indicated a positive change in behaviors on each of the 16 questions.
• 30% increase in comparing prices at the grocery store
• 130% increase in using nutrition labels when deciding what foods to buy
• 66% increase in purchasing healthy items at the grocery store
• 55% increase in preparing healthy meals at home each day
• 71% increase in involving their child in meal preparation each day
• 19% increase in sitting down for family meals
• 48% increase in eating breakfast daily
• 92% increase in eating fruits and vegetables for snacks each day
• 30% increase in drinking water
• 60% increase in performing 30 minutes of physical activity each day
• 44% increase in watching less than 2 hours of television each day
• 122% increase in paying attention to portion size
• 100% increase in eating at least 3 ounces of whole grains each day
• 105% increase in eating at least 4 cups of fruits and vegetable each day
• 80% increase in drinking at least 3 cups from the dairy group each day
• 56% increase in drinking less than one cup of sugary beverages each day
Every item on the adult behavior survey showed substantial change from pre to post. The lowest amount of change was 19%, and the highest was 130%. Some of the items which showed the least change are those that are least emphasized by many of our educators, such as involving children in meal preparation and watching less television. In general, items related directly to nutrition scored highest, except for comparing prices.
Youth Evaluation Results
The Youth Behavior Survey is administered in a pre/post format. During FY09 youth participants indicated a positive change in 11 of the 12 behavior questions. The 12th question remained unchanged.
• 6% increase in eating breakfast each day
• 8% increase in drinking water when thirsty
• 2% increase in performing 30 minutes of physical activity each day
• 9% increase in eating fruits or vegetables for snacks each day
• 0% change in watching less than 2 hours of television each day
• 13% increase in paying attention to portion size
• 23% increase in knowledge about how much to eat from each group of MyPyramid
• 20% increase in knowledge about the importance of calcium
• 100% increase in knowledge about how to properly wash hands
• 133% increase in knowledge about how physical activity improves health
• 21% increase in knowledge about identifying dark green vegetables
• 49% increase in knowledge about calories
Every item on the youth behavior survey showed change from pre to post. The knowledge questions all had higher rates of change than the behavior questions. Among the behavior questions, change was greater on the four nutrition questions than on the two questions related to physical activity. The knowledge questions all show substantial spread.
During FY09 EFNEP reached 929 adults and 2,053 youth in Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties. Fifteen educators provided 16,872 hours of education to graduate 801 adults (White 9%, African American 1%, Native American 3%, Hispanic 86%) and 2,053 youth (White 14%, African American 6%, Native American 3%, Hispanic 75%).
Two evaluation tools are used with the adult EFNEP population – a 24-hour food recall and a 10-question Behavior Change questionnaire. The following results were reported using the 24-hour food recall:
• 11.1% increase in intake of grains
• 33.3% increase in intake of fruits
• 18.2% increase in intake of vegetables
• 30.8% increase in intake of milk
• 12.1% increase in intake of meats & beans
A summary of the nutrient adequacy ratio or protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, C, and B6 show an increase of 16.7%.
The 10-question Behavior Change Questionnaire shows the following results:
• 47% improved in the area of planning meals
• 41% improved in the area of comparing prices
• 41% improved in having food o the month
• 47% improved in using a grocery list
• 40% improved in following recommended guidelines for letting foods sit out
• 57% improved in thawing foods properly
• 41% improved in providing health food choices for their families
• 41% improved in preparing foods without adding salt
• 55% improved in using the Nutrition Facts label to make food choices
• 41% improved in providing breakfast for their children
Funding for SNAP ED is provided from USDA/FNS through New Mexico Human Services Department, Income Support division for $2,022,785. An equal dollar amount of math comes from New Mexico State University.
Funding for EFNEP is provided through a grant from USDA/CSREES for $589,841.
Funding for these programs is also provided through the New Mexico Legislature for $200,000.
General Nutrition
In addition to the funded series of nutrition education classes, home economist around the state conducted a variety of programs to meet the needs of the individuals in their counties. Classes included both one-time programs and mini-series classes that were taught in schools, senior centers, activity centers, and churches. Topics included: snacks, gifts, nutrition and health, food safety, grilling, feeding your newborn, feeding your young child, and food preservation.
Food preservation and food safety remain the most consistently taught courses in the state. The need for families to have safe food at affordable cost will continue to be a priority for teaching and training in the coming year.
Funding for some of these programs is provided by two grants through the New Mexico Department of Health ($50,000)
A total of 785 individuals (White 41%, Hispanic 39%, Native American 17%, African American 1%, Asian American 1%, Other 1%) participated in 45 Kitchen Creations cooking schools in 26 counties during 2009. Classes were team taught by local Extension Home Economists and a health care professional. Four bilingual cooking schools were held during FY09, one in Bernalillo, Dona Ana, Lea, and Luna Counties.
Kitchen Creations cooking schools consist of four, three-hour long lessons. The cooking schools feature current nutrition recommendations for people with diabetes and hands-on food preparation and cooking experiences. Participants completed demographics and knowledge questionnaire and program evaluations at the completion of the cooking school.
Funding for Kitchen Creations is provided in part through a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health ($197,000).
ICAN
Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition Program (ICAN) is the umbrella name used in New Mexico to refer to both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP ED) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) programs. The primary goal of the ICAN program is to provide individuals with limited resources educational programs that increase the likelihood of all participants making healthy food choices consistent with the most recent dietary advice as reflected in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPyramid.
During FY09 SNAP ED reached 24,964 adults (White 25.1%, African American 2.1%, Native American 14.4%, Asian 0.9%, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.3%, Hispanic 57.2%) and 37,461 youth (White 16.1%, African American 2.3%, Native American 12.3%, Asian 0.3%, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 0.1%, Hispanic 58.9%) in 474 sites in New Mexico, including the Zuni Reservation with the following results:
The Adult Behavior Survey is administered in a pre/post format. During FY09 participants indicated a positive change in behaviors on each of the 16 questions.
• 30% increase in comparing prices at the grocery store
• 130% increase in using nutrition labels when deciding what foods to buy
• 66% increase in purchasing healthy items at the grocery store
• 55% increase in preparing healthy meals at home each day
• 71% increase in involving their child in meal preparation each day
• 19% increase in sitting down for family meals
• 48% increase in eating breakfast daily
• 92% increase in eating fruits and vegetables for snacks each day
• 30% increase in drinking water
• 60% increase in performing 30 minutes of physical activity each day
• 44% increase in watching less than 2 hours of television each day
• 122% increase in paying attention to portion size
• 100% increase in eating at least 3 ounces of whole grains each day
• 105% increase in eating at least 4 cups of fruits and vegetable each day
• 80% increase in drinking at least 3 cups from the dairy group each day
• 56% increase in drinking less than one cup of sugary beverages each day
Every item on the adult behavior survey showed substantial change from pre to post. The lowest amount of change was 19%, and the highest was 130%. Some of the items which showed the least change are those that are least emphasized by many of our educators, such as involving children in meal preparation and watching less television. In general, items related directly to nutrition scored highest, except for comparing prices.
Youth Evaluation Results
The Youth Behavior Survey is administered in a pre/post format. During FY09 youth participants indicated a positive change in 11 of the 12 behavior questions. The 12th question remained unchanged.
• 6% increase in eating breakfast each day
• 8% increase in drinking water when thirsty
• 2% increase in performing 30 minutes of physical activity each day
• 9% increase in eating fruits or vegetables for snacks each day
• 0% change in watching less than 2 hours of television each day
• 13% increase in paying attention to portion size
• 23% increase in knowledge about how much to eat from each group of MyPyramid
• 20% increase in knowledge about the importance of calcium
• 100% increase in knowledge about how to properly wash hands
• 133% increase in knowledge about how physical activity improves health
• 21% increase in knowledge about identifying dark green vegetables
• 49% increase in knowledge about calories
Every item on the youth behavior survey showed change from pre to post. The knowledge questions all had higher rates of change than the behavior questions. Among the behavior questions, change was greater on the four nutrition questions than on the two questions related to physical activity. The knowledge questions all show substantial spread.
During FY09 EFNEP reached 929 adults and 2,053 youth in Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties. Fifteen educators provided 16,872 hours of education to graduate 801 adults (White 9%, African American 1%, Native American 3%, Hispanic 86%) and 2,053 youth (White 14%, African American 6%, Native American 3%, Hispanic 75%).
Two evaluation tools are used with the adult EFNEP population – a 24-hour food recall and a 10-question Behavior Change questionnaire. The following results were reported using the 24-hour food recall:
• 11.1% increase in intake of grains
• 33.3% increase in intake of fruits
• 18.2% increase in intake of vegetables
• 30.8% increase in intake of milk
• 12.1% increase in intake of meats & beans
A summary of the nutrient adequacy ratio or protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, C, and B6 show an increase of 16.7%.
The 10-question Behavior Change Questionnaire shows the following results:
• 47% improved in the area of planning meals
• 41% improved in the area of comparing prices
• 41% improved in having food o the month
• 47% improved in using a grocery list
• 40% improved in following recommended guidelines for letting foods sit out
• 57% improved in thawing foods properly
• 41% improved in providing health food choices for their families
• 41% improved in preparing foods without adding salt
• 55% improved in using the Nutrition Facts label to make food choices
• 41% improved in providing breakfast for their children
Funding for SNAP ED is provided from USDA/FNS through New Mexico Human Services Department, Income Support division for $2,022,785. An equal dollar amount of math comes from New Mexico State University.
Funding for EFNEP is provided through a grant from USDA/CSREES for $589,841.
Funding for these programs is also provided through the New Mexico Legislature for $200,000.
General Nutrition
In addition to the funded series of nutrition education classes, home economist around the state conducted a variety of programs to meet the needs of the individuals in their counties. Classes included both one-time programs and mini-series classes that were taught in schools, senior centers, activity centers, and churches. Topics included: snacks, gifts, nutrition and health, food safety, grilling, feeding your newborn, feeding your young child, and food preservation.
Food preservation and food safety remain the most consistently taught courses in the state. The need for families to have safe food at affordable cost will continue to be a priority for teaching and training in the coming year.
Funding for some of these programs is provided by two grants through the New Mexico Department of Health ($50,000)
Strong Women Strong Bones
The Strong Women Program was first introduced to the home economist in 2007 at an In-service. This research based strength training program for women 50 years or older is to help prevent Osteoporosis by doing weight bearing exercises. It is a 12 week program. In February of this year, the home economist and Jill Dennis, Comfort Keepers, Community Relations Director attended Strong Women Strong Bones training in Las Cruces. Participants were trained on how to implement and conduct the program in their county, along with information on the silent disease, osteoporosis. After returning from the training, the home economist applied for two grants to help start the program. Not wanting to wait on the grant money, a site (Senior Circle) was secured and an information meeting date set. Twenty five participants attended the information meeting and signed up to participate in the Strong Women Strong Bones program. The newspaper ran the release after the information meeting date, and an additional thirty eight women called the Extension office to sign up. To accommodate those on the waiting list, a second site was secured-Roswell Adult Center.
A total of 63 participants participated in the program. Each one hour class held two times a week consisted of exercises that focused on building strong bones Through this program, the women increased their strength, muscle mass, and bone density. Women also noted improvements in balance, flexibility, sleep and mood. Ages ranged from 50 being the youngest and 91 being the oldest. One participant commented “that she no longer needs to use the battery operated carts to shop at the store, she now has the strength to walk while shopping.” Another noted that she is sleeping better and by doing the Strong Women program her mental state has changed, she is no longer depressed. Weekly newsletters by Tufts University Strong Women Program were distributed weekly to inform participants about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating.
Due to the need, popularity and success of this program, another class was formed during the summer months with 50 participants. On the average, 35 participants were in attendance for the classes. Two Strong Women Strong Bones classes were formed in September and are presently underway. Thirty five women participate at Senior Circle and 25 participate at Roswell Adult Center.
The Strong Women Program was first introduced to the home economist in 2007 at an In-service. This research based strength training program for women 50 years or older is to help prevent Osteoporosis by doing weight bearing exercises. It is a 12 week program. In February of this year, the home economist and Jill Dennis, Comfort Keepers, Community Relations Director attended Strong Women Strong Bones training in Las Cruces. Participants were trained on how to implement and conduct the program in their county, along with information on the silent disease, osteoporosis. After returning from the training, the home economist applied for two grants to help start the program. Not wanting to wait on the grant money, a site (Senior Circle) was secured and an information meeting date set. Twenty five participants attended the information meeting and signed up to participate in the Strong Women Strong Bones program. The newspaper ran the release after the information meeting date, and an additional thirty eight women called the Extension office to sign up. To accommodate those on the waiting list, a second site was secured-Roswell Adult Center.
A total of 63 participants participated in the program. Each one hour class held two times a week consisted of exercises that focused on building strong bones Through this program, the women increased their strength, muscle mass, and bone density. Women also noted improvements in balance, flexibility, sleep and mood. Ages ranged from 50 being the youngest and 91 being the oldest. One participant commented “that she no longer needs to use the battery operated carts to shop at the store, she now has the strength to walk while shopping.” Another noted that she is sleeping better and by doing the Strong Women program her mental state has changed, she is no longer depressed. Weekly newsletters by Tufts University Strong Women Program were distributed weekly to inform participants about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating.
Due to the need, popularity and success of this program, another class was formed during the summer months with 50 participants. On the average, 35 participants were in attendance for the classes. Two Strong Women Strong Bones classes were formed in September and are presently underway. Thirty five women participate at Senior Circle and 25 participate at Roswell Adult Center.