Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Low resource families find it challenging to choose and prepare healthy foods within a limited budget. Assistance is often needed to make informed choices about low-cost, nutritious food, to better manage family finances, and to become more self-sufficient. The rising epidemic of childhood overweight and obesity also indicates a need for increased physical activity in families, as well as accurate nutrition information and outreach.

Response:
An Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) unit began in January 2007 to address the needs of low resource families in Dubuque County . Two Program Assistants (PAs) were hired and trained to use the new curriculum "Healthy Families; Eating Smart, Being Active." The Nutrition and Health Field Specialist and PAs made site visits to over 40 targeted agencies to introduce themselves, create awareness of the program, and to began building partnerships. Presentations were made to various groups, including the Ministerial Association, Kiwanis, Rotarians, and to the downtown Masonic Lodge group. Recruiting began at the WIC office, St. John's Closet, and at other locations. PAs began providing individual lessons in participant homes, as well as group lessons. Staff at two high schools were contacted to discuss starting group lessons for their teen and expectant parents. An application was made to the Dubuque Racing Association requesting grant dollars for essential program start-up items such as food preparation equipment and other supplies.(narrative written by Family Life Specialist & Nutrition/Health Specialist)

Impact:
After agency site visits and the development of an infrastructure of relationships in the community, a number of positive results have emerged. Policy changes and financial support include:

• a) Family Self-Sufficiency Program/Community Development & Housing allows EFNEP participants to earn points toward their housing program
• b) "Earn While You Learn Program" at Hope Church allows EFNEP participants to earn "mommy or daddy bucks" to purchase clothing, diapers, furniture, and other supplies
• c) The Dubuque Food Pantry Board voted to provide in-kind support by supplying each EFNEP graduate with a free box of food, worth approximately $25
• d) The Dubuque Racing Association awarded grant dollars to the Dubuque ISU Extension Office, of which $1400 was allocated toward EFNEP start-up purchases
• e) Additional in-kind gifts (food items & small appliances), worth approximately $130, were received from individuals
• f) The downtown Masonic Lodge group presented $200, to be used specifically toward purchasing food for group classes with teen and expectant parents at Central Alternative High School.

 

When a set time was scheduled to present the check at the school, five lodge members showed up for the photo, including the lodge treasurer. He commented that if we found that more money was necessary for the program, to let them know and they would be happy to give us more. One of the members of this Masonic Lodge (& his wife) were themselves recent EFNEP graduates. Following a presentation at their lodge meeting, given by one PA and the Nutrition/Health Field Specialist, this individual stood up and told the group how the program helped he and his wife plan meals better and save money at the grocery store because they were shopping only once/week now, instead of several times when they would always pick up incidental items they didn't need. He also said they are reading nutrition labels on everything now, trying new foods, and found they really liked some of the EFNEP recipes. He remarked that they'd even discovered that their two-year-old son loved tofu.

A total of 12 participants have completed the 8 lessons and graduated from the program, with an additional 30 people on active lists. A summary of data at the end of FY '07 indicated almost 92% of the graduates had made positive changes in one or more areas of their diet. In addition, participants commented about positive changes in their behavior and diet choices: One single parent with four children said she eliminated all pop in her house and began purchasing water and more juice and milk, following a lesson focused on ways to reduce fat, sodium, and sugar content. Another family with three children (following this same lesson) decided to set a mini goal for the week to prepare and eat all of their meals at home using EFNEP recipes, instead of going to fast food restaurants like they usually did...they proudly announced "We did it!" the next week and said it was easier than expected, plus they found that home cooked meals didn't cost as much as they spent eating at several fast food restaurants the week before. Another example involves a single mom who had little knowledge of label-reading when she entered EFNEP. Over the course of the lessons, she and her 8-year old daughter learned the importance of reading labels, especially to make healthy snack choices. They also started going to the local farmer's market and shopped at vendor booths that accepted their food assistance card, commenting, "We feel better about our meals and snacks. Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive." The Dubuque EFNEP unit continues to build partnerships and increase the number of participants enrolled in the program.

Contact:
Cindy Baumgartner
Delaware County Extension
PO Box 336
Manchester, IA 52057
563-927-4201
cbaum@iastate.edu