Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
According to a 2004 U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Service report, an estimated 129.6 million Americans or 64% are overweight (10-30 pounds) or obese (30 pounds or more). The savings rate of U.S. households is around 1% after-tax income. Average U.S. credit card holders today carry a $9,300 balance, compared to $3,000 in 1990. Currently 24% of Bancroft’s population earns less than $14,999. The 2009 income guidelines for a family of two is 14,570.

Response:
ISU Families Extension (Nutrition & Health Field Specialist and Resource Management Specialist) in Northwest Iowa collaborated with the Bancroft Horizons Project and Bancroft Rotary Club to deliver the Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ program in Bancroft. The Kossuth County Foundation provided a grant to pay for materials and a meal. Twenty six participants signed up for the four part series of classes.

Impact:
Evaluations were returned from twelve of the twenty-six participants. Four or 33% felt the class was extremely valuable and eight or 67% felt the class was very valuable. As a result of the class, six, or 50%, said they gained a lot of confidence and motivation for making changes in their health and/or finances, while six, or 50%, said they gained some confidence and motivation. Seven, or 58% noted they had gained a lot of knowledge about health and finances and five, or 42%, noted some gain in knowledge. Ten (83%) planned to increase daily exercise, eight (67%) planned to better control intake and outgo of food (eating/exercising) and/or money (earning/spending) and seven (58%) would set one or more specific written health or financial goals.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Jan Burk, Family Resource Management Specialist

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Bancroft Rotary Bancroft Horizons Project Kossuth County Foundation Grant

Contact:
Nancy Clark
Kossuth County Extension
1121-B Hwy 18 East
Algona, IA 50511
515-295-2469
nanclark@iastate.edu