Simple Suppers
Loading...
Date
2011-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Eating behaviors that fuel childhood obesity are known to be established early in life and become difficult to change thereafter.Parents play a major role in shaping the food choices and eating behaviors of their young children.There is emerging evidence that demonstrates apositive relationship between family meals and child diet quality. The primary aim of this study was to develop and pilot test a blended nutrition education and cooking program forparents and young children designed to help families establish regular meal time and improve overall diet quality. To achieve this goal, a needs assessment survey was conducted among parents (n=16) with young children enrolled at the Schoenbaum Family Center (SFC). Most (88%) parents reportedthat theyfeel it is very important to eat family meals together. Almost all (94%) indicated multiple barriers to establishing family meals. When asked what topics they would like to see addressed in a nutrition education and cooking program for families, they indicated interest in learning: ways to prepare quick, healthy, affordable meals; how to involve their child in meal preparation; and recipes that appeal to children. Results from this study lead to the design of anutrition education and cooking program (Simple Suppers)that is: based on existing curricula;aligned with national dietary guidelines; and designed with sensitivity to the needs of parents with young children. The curriculum consists of seven 90 min sessions that include: nutrition education; family meal preparation; group meal; take-home educational materials; and session evaluation. The program was pilot tested on a monthly basis with families who havechildren enrolled at SFC. On average, 11 families haveattended the program each month.We expect results from this study to lead to design of a larger scale project to test program efficacy in executing positive food choices and eating behaviors.
Description
3rd place in Health Professions- Clinical at Denman Research Forum
Keywords
Healthy cooking and nutrition education program