Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
In 2003-04, the prevalence of overweight nationally among all U.S. children 6-11 years of age was 18.8% and the prevalence of at-risk for overweight was 18.4% (National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This represents a combined prevalence rate of 37.2%. Since the fall of 2005, IDPH has measured biannually the height and weight of over 4,000 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in 12 schools across the state. From the height and weight, Body Mass Index scores were calculated. In spring 2007, 36.3 % of 3rd to 5th grade boys in the 12 schools were overweight/obese and 37.8% of the 3rd to 5th grade girls were overweight/obese.

Response:
The BASICS/Pick a Better Snack Program in Johnson County has served 6 schools in the Iowa City Community School District during the 2008-09 school year. We reached over 1400 youth in 64 classrooms. BASICS schools must document having OVER 50% of students eligible for free and reduced lunch. In this, our 7th year of programming with ICCSD, we tried these modifications to the program: • Simplify snacks enabling young students to prepare independently • Expanded to the entire building in 2 schools (Hills and Mann) • Expand to higher grades in 4 schools (Hills, Mann, Kirkwood, & Wood). Developmentally, older youth are capable of a higher level of program feedback and evaluation. • Reduce the length of the program to one semester for kindergarten and 9 weeks for all other students. This allowed us to reach many more youth with the same amount of staff.

Impact:
WHAT TEACHERS SAY: •

• “At our class parties, I have parents sign up to bring milk or 100% fruit juice as our beverage. Parents also sign up to bring fruit, vegetables, a protein snack (yogurt, cheese stick, or turkey/cheese mini-sandwiches), and a crunchy snack (pretzels, wheat crackers, or popcorn).”
• “Students really do try foods they haven’t eaten before. The parents and families learn from the flyers sent home. Children are often surprised that they really like some of the choices. Academic lessons & literature – good, educational. Good literature used.”

 

WHAT PARENTS SAY:

• “It made my daughter more AWARE of what she was eating. She wanted to CHOOSE better food for her body and since it wasn’t ME telling her what to eat; she was more likely to do it. I can’t say enough good stuff about this program. Thank you.”
• My daughter has an interest in the nutritional value of her food now and asks questions about what she is eating. She eats carrots now! Absolutely would not try them for me, but tried them in this program and likes them.”

 

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