Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
According to the 1995 Iowa Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), only 15 percent of adults eat the minimum recommendation of three vegetables and two fruits each day.

Response:
According to the 1995 Iowa Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), only 15 percent of adults eat the minimum recommendation of three vegetables and two fruits each day (the national average is 23 percent). Although we are improving in Iowa (18.1 percent eating 5 or more servings of produce a day in 2000; increasing to 19.5 percent in 2005) we are still a state with a high rate of obesity and individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle.

The Johnson County Extension Council voted to continue funding the Pick a Better Snack program in 8 elementary schools in the Iowa City Community School District. She made 9 visits to each school presenting a 30 minute lesson to students in 1 st and 2 nd grade.

Impact:
The program reached a total of 842 youth in 40 classrooms in 8 schools. Over 97 percent of the teachers reported that they felt the program benefited their students. Over 50 percent of the teachers reported observing the students eating MORE fruits and vegetables as a result of the program.

About 43 percent of parents responded to a survey. Of those responding, 95 percent indicated their children talked about the program at home. Over 85 percent reported observing their children eating more fruits and vegetables at home plus 78 percent encouraged their parents to buy more fruits and vegetables when shopping. Over 99 percent would recommend the program to others.

 

Contact:
Jan Temple, Nutrition & Health Field Specialist, Housed in Johnson Co.
4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd. SE ,
Iowa City , IA 52246
Phone: 319-337-2145x116; Fax: 319-337-7864; Cell: 319-330-6175
e-mail: mjtemple@iastate.edu ; Web: www.extension.iastate.edu/food