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:
The Johnson County Extension Council has continued funding the Pick a Better Snack program in the Iowa City Community School District. This year we were able to expand to 9 elementary centers. The nutrition educator made 9 visits to each school presenting a 30 minute lesson to students in 1st and 2nd grade. Newsletters about the produce the children were eating at school were shared with families.

Impact:
The program reached a total of 941 youth in 46 classrooms in 9 schools. Over 90 percent of the teachers reported that they felt the program benefited their students. Over 34 percent of the teachers reported observing the students eating MORE fruits and vegetables as a result of the program. About 47 percent of parents responded to a survey. Of those responding, 98 percent indicated their children talked about the program at home. Over 79 percent reported observing their children eating more fruits and vegetables at home plus 75 percent encouraged their parents to buy more fruits and vegetables when shopping. Over 99 percent would recommend the program to others.

Contact:
Jan Temple
Johnson County Extension
4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd, SE
Iowa City, IA 52246
319-337-2145 x116
mjtemple@iastate.edu