Los Chicas

Situation:
A group of Hispanic teens participate in a group program called Los Chicas at the local YWCA. ISU Extension was approached about offering a series of nutrition classes for this group. Los Chicas offers an opportunity for these teens to continue learning English as well as life skills such as good nutrition. 

Response: 
A series of three nutrition sessions were scheduled over a 3-month period. The nutrition classes were held monthly and allowed for other topics to be addressed in the weeks between nutrition sessions. The sessions were an hour and a half in length and included nutrition activities as well as food preparation. The youth completed food recalls and answered questions about food choices. The group of seven teens helped select foods to prepare during class. Fruits and vegetables were selected as food groups they would like some help with in terms of what to select and how to prepare it. The teens made fruit smoothies, veggie pizza, spaghetti and fruit pizza. 

Impact:
Six of the teens completed both the entry and exit food recalls and food questionnaires.
At entry, two of the seven young women reported eating a serving of food from each of the food groups. At exit four of the six young women had eaten at least one serving of food from each food group. Additionally, it was noted that the entry recalls included many more selections of candy and chips than the exit recalls. One young woman reported making smoothies "all the time" at the first session, but after making them at class said that our way was better! She liked the yogurt rather than higher sugar choices she was making them with before. On the last day she reported that, "I made the smoothies your way!" using vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit. Other written comments included:
"I plan on eating more fruits and vegetables now!"
"I plan to eat a little bit healthier."
"I try to eat more vegetables."

Contact:
Jill Weber
Iowa State University Extension, Families Nutrition and Health Specialist
3420 University Avenue, Suite B, Waterloo, IA 50701-2008
Phone 319-234-6811; Fax 319-234-5581
Email jrweber@iastate.edu

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