Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The issue of "overweight" is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. Overwieght children & adolescents are more likely to become obese adults & are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, & Type 2 diabetes) than other children & adolescents. Data from two NHANES surveys (1976-1980) & (2003-2004) show that the prevalence of overweight increased from 5% to 13.9% for children ages 2-5 years. Childcare Providers play a vital role in modeling healthy eating habits, serving nutritious foods, & instilling healthy eating habits with preschool children for which they provide care.

Response:
The Nutrition & Health Field Speciailist provided a 90 minute program for 55 childcare providers from Delaware & Dubuque counties covering various topics related to "Healthy Meals & Snacks." Since the workshop was coordinated with Operation New View/Community Action Agency, many providers who attended participate in the Child & Adult Care Food Program.(CACFP) Some attendees offer in-home care & others work in Childcare Centers. An overview of EFNEP was provided for the first 20 minutes. Some providers qualify for EFNEP (Tier 1 providers) or work with families who qualify for the program. Two snacks were prepared & served, using EFNEP recipes. The training focused on trends in childhood overweight, an overview of My Pyramid, & how to plan healthy meals & snacks in a childcare setting, with a particular focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, & alternative sources of protein. Handouts were provided as attendees registered (& were used throughout the workshop), along with visuals & a powerpoint presentation.

Impact:
Childcare providers completed a survey at the end of the program. 93% indicated that the workshop "met their needs/expectations," with 96% indicating the "workshop content was helpful/excellent." 100% indicated the "handouts were helpful/excellent." When asked to state "One idea that I will use from today's workshop," responses included: pushing more fruits & vegetables, having a colorful plate for kids, watching what I order from fast food restaurants, limiting sweets, using the My Pyramid proportions more, serving healthier snacks, & using some of the menu suggestions & snack recipes.

When asked "One thing I learned (or knew before & had forgotten) in today's workshops," the responses were:

• fat cells are never eliminated from the body
• fat & calorie intake
• foods that shouldn't be offered to infants
• the importance of getting all areas of the food pyramid daily, portion size clarification
• the need for whole grains--trying more brown rice & whole-grain past
• learning there is iron in dried fruit
• obesity trends in the US
• healthy snacks can be easy to make if you use your imagination
  

The two EFNEP Program Assistants received a list of attendees & phone numbers & are calling people to ascertain income eligibility requirements & interest in participating in EFNEP. Operation New View staff stated they plan to talk more with childcare providers one-on-one (when visiting them in their homes) about following suggestions given in the workshop, as well as encourage participation in EFNEP.

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