Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Through the Pick a Better Snack Program in Johnson County, we are reaching food assistance eligible youth in the schools and sending nutrition education information home with them. To really make a change, we knew it was important to reach the adults in the lives of these students. We also know through research from Dianne Neumark-Sztainer and her colleagues at the University of Minnesota that there is a dramatic relationship between family meal patterns and dietary intake in adolescents. They found that family meals were associated with improved intakes of fruits, vegetables, grains, calcium-rich foods, protein, iron, fiber, and vitamins A, C, E, B-6 and folate. Family meals were also associated with a lower intake of soft-drinks.

Response:
A series of four Family Night Out events was scheduled at Twain Elementary. The Nutrition Field Specialist worked to plan and coordinate the adult phase and the Youth Development Field Specialist coordinated the youth effort; together they coordinated the combined program with the school representative. Each of the four one-hour evening sessions began with a light supper provided by the Johnson County Extension Council. During the supper, adults and children had the opportunity to sample a recipe that was simple and nutritious (Colorful Quesadillas, Spinach and Meat Patties, Tropical Cabbage Slaw, and Cheese and Bean Enchiladas).

After the supper, adults and youth split into groups. The adults learned how to prepare the food sampled at supper plus other information about stretching their food dollar, serving sizes, food groups, and exercise. The youth had the opportunity to prepare a nutritious snack (yogurt parfait, carrot fishing poles, veggie flips and trail mix) and participate in physical activity – parachute games, fishing, yoga, and assorted games.

Impact:
The Family Night Out model enabled us to reinforce messages with the youth and reach the adults in their lives with the same messages. The families loved coming and were extremely appreciative. They commented about how much they enjoyed the opportunity to sit together as a family and eat a meal together. They enjoyed being able to visit with other adults in the community. Completed surveys also indicated they planned to pay closer attention to physical activity, portion sizes, and include more fruits and vegetables.

Several shared how much they appreciated the booklet they received: Loving Your Family – Feeding Their Future – The Healthy Family Guidebook. This book had realistic recipes as well as tips on how to get affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products into their diet. Several shared positive experiences of making the recipes for family and friends and getting compliments about how tasty the food was. During the first session, we only had 3 families participate; by the end of the 4 weeks, we had over 13 families representing 23 adults and 30 youth.

Additional ISUE Staff:
Janet Martin, Youth Developement Field Specialist, 319-377-9839; jmmartin@iastate.edu

Contact:
Jan Temple
Johnson County Extension
4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd., SE
Iowa City, IA 52246
319-337-2145
mjtemple@iastate.edu