2005 Success Story

Problem:
The Meskwaki Senior Center located on the Meskwaki Settlement, serves elders of the Meskwaki Nation. It is affiliated with Hawkeye Valley Area on Aging. The center director plans a full calendar of activities for the seniors each month. Nutrition education is an important component of the monthly plan, with one nutrition lesson scheduled monthly. Specific diabetic education, wellness checks, and on site exercise are provided by other providers. Because of many years of association with ISUE for nutrition education, the center director turned to Tama County Extension for nutrition education at the senior center. This on-going program serves 6-12 seniors monthly. After several years, new teaching materials were sought.

Response:
Tama County Extension became a member of the UNI Global Health Corps BASICS Coalition. Part of the Global Health Corp’s charge is to reach tribal members. This association has made it possible to participate in Chef Charles. Ann Smith, Tama County CEED, attended Chef Charles training and delivers the lessons monthly. Chef Charles newsletters, prepared by ISUE staff in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Public Health, are provided through the BASICS grant, Iowa Nutrition Network, along with nutrition related promotional items and BINGO prizes. Monthly Pick a Better Snack™ sheets are part of the newsletter. The focus of Chef Charles is to encourage activity, food safety, and increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Any demonstration food costs are paid for by the grant. In return, Tama County Extension delivers the monthly lessons and administers annual pre and post surveys.

Results:
Chef Charles, available through the BASICS Coalition, is a source of research based, timely information appropriate for the audience, presented in a colorful, easy to use and understand format. It is well received by the seniors and has strengthened the program. The short newsletter articles promote lively group discussion. Participants enjoy the promotional items, related to the topics of the lesson. Pre and post surveys are an important part of Chef Charles. They are used to evaluate lesson effectiveness and plan for the future.

Contact:
Ann Smith
Tama County CEED
203 W. High St., P.O. Box 308
Toledo, IA 52342
Phone (641) 484-2703 or (800) 707-5474
Email annsmith@iastate.edu