Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
The downturn of our national and state economy is forcing people to look for ways to serve economical-yet healthy-foods at home, as well as look for ways to increase time spent with their family members.

Response:
The Dubuque County Wellness Committee (which includes the ISU Extension nutrition/health field specialist, administrator from Dubuque VNA, and two dieticians from Dubuque HyVee stores) wanted to improve the nutritional status of county residents by providing education to families on how to make healthy food choices, how to cook healthy meals at home, and the benefits of eating meals as a family.

Through funding from a Harkin Wellness grant, this group designed a three-class training around ISU Extension's "Healthy Meals in a Hurry" book. Classes are being offered in twelve different Dubuque County locations from January-June 2009. Each 90-minute class is offered once a week for three consecutive weeks at each location. Participants are being instructed in the preparation of a complete meal using one of the recipes from the HMH book. The class will eat the meal together, while talking about nutrition and life style goals, as well as food safety tips. At the end of each class, participants will receive their assignment and the ingredients needed to prepare the same meal for four people before the next class. Participants are expected to attend all three classes with a cost for the series at $15.

At the completion of the three-week series of classes, each participant will have received a meal at each class, the HMH book, a meat thermometer, three take-home meal kits (valued at $60), HyVee coupons, an ISUE Answer Line magnet, and several ISUE publications (Time-saving Tips for Quick Meals, 3 Steps to Healthy Meals, 5 Myths of Handwashing, Measure Accurately, and Use of a Food Thermometer).

The nutrition/health field specialist and HyVee dieticians also conducted a three-hour Train-the-Trainer program to educate and prepare people (a lead person and one assistant) to teach the classes at various county sites.

Impact:
Pat Fisher, RD/LD at HyVee and one of the program organizers, stated, “The messages in “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” are exactly what we wanted to accomplish in the class. Our committee wanted to offer classes that would encourage healthy eating by reviving family meals. The bulk quantity recipes, nutrition analysis, and food safety information in “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” will serve as the basis for the classes we are offering around the county. This is a beautifully done publication; very easy to read and use.”

At the program conclusion (end of June), there is a potential of 660 different families who will have participated in the three-class HMH program series throughout Dubuque County. So far, all but one class site has been filled, with several people on waiting lists. Very positive verbal feedback has been voiced from attendees. Publicity has been widespread throughout county newspapers.

Pre/post tests and post-class phone surveys will be used to collect data for program evaluation and reporting. The Dubuque County Food, Fitness, and Wellness Committee is currently developing marketing plans to implement the program during Year 2 of the grant, as well as long-term plans for sustainability. The overall goal is improve the nutritional status of Dubuque County residents, resulting in increased health and fitness, quality of life, and reduced morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Beverly Berna; Family Life FS; (563) 583-6496; bberna@iastate.edu
Dee Gaul; CYC/Dubuque Co. Ext.; (563) 583-6496; gaul@iastate.edu

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Nan Colin, Administrative Director for Dubuque VNA & Finley Home Healthcare; Nan.Colin@FinleyHospital.org; (563) 556-6200
Megan Dalsing; RD/LD for Dubuque/Asbury HyVee; mdalsing@hyvee.com; (563) 582-5463
Pat Fisher; RD/LD/CDE for Dubuque/Locust St. HyVee; pfisher@hyvee.com; (563) 583-6148

Additional partners include: The County of Dubuque, The Finley Hospital/Iowa Health System, Dubuque Community Schools, Dubuque Multicultural Family Center; Dubuque Co. Safe Youth Coalition, Hillcrest Wellness Center, Dubuque Boys and Girls Club, Dubuque Community Y, Epworth Community Youth Center, Cascade KCs, Dyersville Sr. Citizen Center, Dubuque St. Mary's Catholic Church

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