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 County Funded Pick a Better Snack Program in Johnson County has completed its 4th year. We were able to expand the program from 8 elementary centers to 11 centers reaching the 1st and 2nd grade students in each of the buildings with a 9 week nutrition education program. Many schools have more than one section of each grade so this year resulted in working in 59 classrooms to reach 1315 students. Adding these efforts to the BASICS PBS efforts in the county bring the total of youth to over 2700 students. Two of the additional sites were represented new school districts enabling us to expend the program to an even larger area of the county.

Produce items vary with the season and availability. Some of the produce shared with students has included: plums, apples, broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, banana, jicama, grapes and Clementine’s during the first 9 weeks.

Nutrition lessons presented include: Introduction/Expectations, Keeping an open mind; Hand washing; Food Pyramid; F/V Differences and Benefits; Cost: Fresh vs. Canned/Frozen; Food Pyramid; Exercise & Move/Food Pyramid; Moderation/Variety and Balance; Drink: what your body needs!; Fast Food; Wrap-up/Review.

Impact:
WHAT TEACHERS SAY:

• “This is a great program! It provided students with a lot of nutritious information! My parents got very involved as well--introduced new foods to them. Thanks for coming to our school!”
• "I didn't think I'd like that. " (jicama) "I love broccoli." "I was very brave!" (Trying something new.) Lisa Yoder does an excellent job presenting the fruits and veggies to the kids! The presentations are very interactive and she always gets all kids involved. She is very patient and informative. This program is outstanding! In this day and age, with so many kids overweight, it is so important to help encourage kids to eat healthy and exercise!
  
  

WHAT PARENTS SAY:

• “We have always tried to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in our daily eating, but my child was definitely more eager to eat them after your program.
• My son was very enthusiastic about Pick a Better Snack. He was much more open to eating the vegetables he was served at dinner as a result of the program. Thanks!

 

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