Partnering to Cultivate Healthy Eating Fanatics
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Date
2018-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
Researchers and practitioners recommend use of engaging and interactive techniques, including hands-on experience with food, to teach about healthy eating behaviors. C.H.E.F. (Cultivating Healthy Eating Fanatics) was a food and nutrition day camp piloted in Brown County in 2017. C.H.E.F. used hands-on experience with menu planning, food budgeting, food shopping, and food preparation to teach about healthful eating behaviors and encourage participation in 4-H food and nutrition projects. Through this event, the participants were better prepared to make good food choices and prepare healthy meals Conference participants will learn about the overall design of C.H.E.F. day camp, goals and objectives of the event, planning considerations, funding, community partnerships developed, topics covered, and evaluation data from the inaugural event.
Description
According to the data from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps[2], Brown County ranks 69th in both health outcomes and health factors. Specifically, Brown County has high levels of adult and child obesity [2, 9]. Fruit and vegetable consumption is below recommended levels [1]. Such statistics indicate a need for Extension programs to promote healthy eating behaviors. Researchers and practitioners recommend the use of engaging and interactive techniques, including hands-on experience with food, to teach about healthy eating behaviors [3, 5]. Research has shown that children who participated in cooking classes increased their consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber; demonstrated a greater willingness to try new foods, and developed increased confidence in the ability to prepare foods [6, 8]. Nutrition knowledge and skills related to healthy eating have been linked with making better food choices and promoting dietary change [4, 10]. Furthermore, people who prepare their own food are more likely to meet dietary recommendations [7]. However, there is an increase in meals consumed away from home and a decline in cooking skills [10]. C.H.E.F. (Cultivating Healthy Eating Fanatics) was a food and nutrition day camp piloted in Brown County in 2017. C.H.E.F. aligns with the national 4-H mission mandate of healthy living and also the OSU Extension impact area of health and wellness. The objectives were for participants to: learn proper food handling and preparation, including food safety; plan a daily menu following MyPlate; create a budget for a meal; properly set a table; plan, budget, shop for, prepare and serve a meal; and become aware of the Ohio 4-H food and nutrition project offerings and the requirements to complete the project through county and state judging. The target audience for C.H.E.F. was 4-H members in Brown County age 9 and older. Older youth (age 14+) who were involved in foods projects participated in the hands-on activities and also assisted with teaching some components of the program. One of the most original aspects of the program was the start-to-finish aspect of meal planning, shopping, and food preparation. The participants developed a meal plan, created a shopping list, took a field trip to the grocery store to purchase their items, and returned to the kitchen to cook their meal. Youth were tasked to cook a meal for a family of four using $15, which is based on the USDA guidelines for a moderate meal plan. They were also expected to meet the MyPlate guidelines. The lead presenter for this poster is the Extension educator, 4-H youth development, who wrote the initial grant, obtained IRB approval to use the evaluation data, coordinated the event, including developing community partnerships, and taught 45 percent of the overall program.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Christy Clary, Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Brown County, clary.42@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Theresa Ferrari, Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University Extension.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Christy Clary, Educator, The Ohio State University Extension, Brown County, clary.42@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Theresa Ferrari, Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University Extension.
Keywords
cooking skills, healthy living, youth, day camp
Citation
Engaged Scholars, v. 6 (2018).