Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Grundy County Nest participants requested a nutrition series that would address nutrition needs of their families, provide easy to prepare recipe ideas and suggestions for how to get healthy meals on the table while keeping within the families food budget.

Response:
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist Jill Weber planned a three-part series for families participating in the Grundy County Nest program. Sessions were held in November, December of 2006, and February 2007. Ten families completed evaluations following the series. Four families attended all three sessions, four families attended two and two families attended one session. During the nutrition sessions, families learned about MyPyramid and its role as an outline of what to feed their family each and every day. Additionally, participants learned meal planning strategies, shopping and food preparation tips and had the opportunity to prepare a snack with their school-age child.

Impact:
Participants reported the following:

• “I got rid of the candy bowl in the house and started planning more fruit and vegetable snacks.”
• “I made up one of the recipes you gave us.”
• 9 of 10 families (90%) report plans to consider My Pyramid when planning meals in the future.
• Two families took action and report making a fruit bowl available for easy snacking while attending the nutrition sessions.
• 90% of families report choosing fruits and vegetables for snacks on a regular basis following the nutrition series.
• 100% of the families reported appreciation for ideas on how to involve children in meal preparation and plan to involve their children in meal preparation in the future.

 

Contact:
Jill Weber
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist/EFNEP Supervisor 
Iowa State University Extension
3420 University Avenue , Suite B
Waterloo, IA 50701-2008
319-234-6811; cell 319-240-3975; fax 319-234-5581