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Revisiting The Master Food Volunteer Program: Examining How To Enhance Nutrition Education In The United States, Stacey Viera, Lindsey Haynes-Maslow Sep 2023

Revisiting The Master Food Volunteer Program: Examining How To Enhance Nutrition Education In The United States, Stacey Viera, Lindsey Haynes-Maslow

The Journal of Extension

America’s diet-related illness crisis intersects with a lack of nutrition literacy, nutrition security, and systemic inequities. The Cooperative Extension Service’s (CES) national infrastructure could potentially provide equitable access to quality nutrition education in the US utilizing a Master Food Volunteer (MFV) model. This research brief examined preliminary evidence for the MFV model as a support for CES agents and paraprofessionals, and results show a paucity of evidence. Further research and a pilot program with pre-established measures for health-related knowledge and behaviors could elucidate the model’s potential to increase equitable access to evidence-based programming, nutrition, and implementation guidance.


Assessing The Snap Consumer Environment At Farmers Markets, Gabrielle C. Young, Sarah Misyak, Meredith Ledlie Johnson, Natalie E. Martin, Elena Serrano May 2023

Assessing The Snap Consumer Environment At Farmers Markets, Gabrielle C. Young, Sarah Misyak, Meredith Ledlie Johnson, Natalie E. Martin, Elena Serrano

The Journal of Extension

The SNAP at Farmers Market Environmental Assessment was developed as a tool for market managers to examine SNAP participant accessibility for redeeming SNAP benefits at farmers markets. By completing the SNAP at Farmers Market Environmental Assessment, the tool can serve as a guide for providing practical next steps for market improvement. Extension practitioners and researchers, including SNAP-Ed staff, can use the assessment tool to support policy, systems, and environment change efforts that promote access to local, high-quality foods by SNAP consumers, the redemption of SNAP benefits, and potentially increased sales at farmers markets.


Leveraging The Covid-19 Fermentation Trend To Enhance Nutrition And Food Safety Extension Efforts, Thais M. Ramos, Hanna Louvau, Heesun Kim, Maria L. Marco, Erin Dicaprio Dec 2022

Leveraging The Covid-19 Fermentation Trend To Enhance Nutrition And Food Safety Extension Efforts, Thais M. Ramos, Hanna Louvau, Heesun Kim, Maria L. Marco, Erin Dicaprio

The Journal of Extension

Our program aimed to increase knowledge related to fermented foods. Over 400 stakeholders registered for a webinar series that focused on defining fermented foods, health benefits of fermenting foods, and the safety of fermented foods. Participants indicated increases in knowledge and overall satisfaction with the content of the fermentation curriculum. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the program outcomes are discussed.


Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope May 2022

Fad Diets: Professional Development Needs Among Nutrition Agents In Select Southern States, Abigail P. Mcalister, Vicky L. Green, Simone Camel, Mary C. Fontenot, Janet F. Pope

The Journal of Extension

Because FCS agents teach communities about dietary guidelines, it is important that they are aware of the latest nutrition research. This study assessed FCS agents’ knowledge of popular fad diets (low-carbohydrate, intermittent fasting, detoxes and cleanses) and their potential adverse effects, and its relationship among location, certifications, years of experience, professional association memberships, and education. Agents in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi were emailed a survey. RDN, DTR, and CHES certifications had significant associations (p = 0.03) with knowledge of adverse effects of fad diets. Agents who hold these credentials may have more knowledge about adverse effects of fad diets.


Understanding Nutrition Education And Physical Activity Instruction In Rural Elementary Schools, Allison Harris, J. Dusti Linnell Nov 2021

Understanding Nutrition Education And Physical Activity Instruction In Rural Elementary Schools, Allison Harris, J. Dusti Linnell

The Journal of Extension

We surveyed K-6 classroom teachers in four rural counties in Oregon to ascertain current nutrition and physical activity and/or physical education (PA/PE) instruction, barriers to teaching these subjects, and interest and need for professional development. Although most respondents reported teaching nutrition and PA/PE in their classrooms and appear to place high importance on teaching these subjects, reported delivery time was low. Extension can play an influential role in ensuring that students receive adequate nutrition and PA/PE instructional time by providing support to teachers through professional development, direct education in the classroom, and policy, systems and environmental change.


Understanding Milk Consumption Habits Among College Students In Order To Redesign Outreach, Stacey F. Stearns, Adam N. Rabinowitz Jun 2021

Understanding Milk Consumption Habits Among College Students In Order To Redesign Outreach, Stacey F. Stearns, Adam N. Rabinowitz

The Journal of Extension

College students consume less dairy milk than in the past. Increased competition in the beverage aisle influences their choices. However, much of the population is not meeting the recommended intake guidelines for calcium. A survey of undergraduate college students with university dining plans focused on milk consumption habits, beverage choices, and student attitudes toward healthful foods and nutrition. Results are guiding Extension program educational outreach campaigns to college students. By focusing on the healthful and nutritional benefits of milk, Extension educators could increase consumption among college age consumers, and their long-term healthful outcomes.


Assessing Healthful Eating And Physical Activity Practices In Places Children Learn, Carolyn D. Rider, Amanda Linares, Janice Kao, Christina Becker, Gail Woodward-Lopez Dec 2020

Assessing Healthful Eating And Physical Activity Practices In Places Children Learn, Carolyn D. Rider, Amanda Linares, Janice Kao, Christina Becker, Gail Woodward-Lopez

The Journal of Extension

Site-level assessment questionnaires (SLAQs) were developed to assess nutrition and physical activity practices and environments in schools and other places children spend time in order to facilitate program planning and evaluation. After expert panel review for content validity, questionnaires were feasibility tested by users in six schools, three early care and education programs, and two out-of-school programs. Findings indicate that the questionnaires are feasible and useful for planning interventions. Extension programs can use SLAQs to support policy, systems, and environment change efforts that promote healthful eating and physical activity in children and to measure intervention effectiveness.


Assessing And Responding To Covid-19 Pandemic Nutrition And Wellness Impacts On Iowans, Morgan Bahl, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig Dec 2020

Assessing And Responding To Covid-19 Pandemic Nutrition And Wellness Impacts On Iowans, Morgan Bahl, Sarah L. Francis, Ruth Litchfield, Shannon Coleman, Anirudh Naig

The Journal of Extension

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for indirect Extension programming. To ensure a consumer-focused response, we gathered data from 452 survey respondents regarding how the pandemic was affecting their food-related and health behaviors. The majority reported obtaining their food from a grocery store as they had prior to the pandemic, albeit less frequently, and having increased their home food preparation. Due to the pandemic, respondents were less physically active and more stressed and were seeking reliable nutrition and wellness information. We describe how we were able to facilitate an immediate response by repackaging and adapting existing programming to meet …


The 4-H Cutting Board Challenge, Jason Hedrick, Amanda Raines, Kelly Coble Jun 2018

The 4-H Cutting Board Challenge, Jason Hedrick, Amanda Raines, Kelly Coble

The Journal of Extension

Food-borne illness is a major public health concern in the United States. Proper food safety measures can greatly reduce the risk of food-borne illness. The 4-H Cutting Board Challenge is designed to give participants a hands-on learning experience related to food preparation and food safety procedures and an opportunity for team building and critical thinking. The objectives of the program include researching food preparation techniques, identifying common food pairings and recipes, learning to create a main dish and a dessert dish for evaluation, increasing knowledge of food safety procedures, and working in teams.


Blender Bikes: Blending Nutrition And Physical Activity, Theresa M. Ferrari, Carol A. Smathers Apr 2018

Blender Bikes: Blending Nutrition And Physical Activity, Theresa M. Ferrari, Carol A. Smathers

The Journal of Extension

Many Americans do not meet the recommendations for diet and physical activity. A blender bike can be an effective tool when coupled with hands-on activities that reinforce health recommendations. We created Blending Nutrition and Physical Activity: An Activity Guide for Use with Blender Bikes to use when incorporating a blender bike into educational sessions held in classrooms and at afterschool programs, camps, fairs, and other venues. We provide a research-based rationale for implementing blender bike demonstrations and describe activities in the guide that take blender bike use beyond a fun, eye-catching display to experiences that convey nutrition and physical activity …


Older Adults' Perceptions Of Nutrition As Protective Against Detrimental Effects Of Environmental Pollution, Kristina Dunn, Lisa Gaetke, Tammy Stephenson, Dawn Brewer Aug 2017

Older Adults' Perceptions Of Nutrition As Protective Against Detrimental Effects Of Environmental Pollution, Kristina Dunn, Lisa Gaetke, Tammy Stephenson, Dawn Brewer

The Journal of Extension

The aging process makes older adults vulnerable to the detrimental health effects of environmental contaminants. Our study assessed older adults' perceptions regarding diet as protective against environmental contaminants, levels of concern about exposure to environmental contaminants, and interest in learning about protective food-related strategies. A needs assessment to collect such information had not been conducted among older adults. Health fair survey results showed that respondents perceived diet as beneficial against contaminants, were concerned about health implications of exposure, and were interested in learning how to protect health through diet-related strategies. Results suggest that a nutrition-focused curriculum addressing how dietary strategies …


Evaluating The Feasibility Of A Gardening And Nutrition Intervention With A Matched Contact-Control Physical Activity Intervention Targeting Youth, Ramine Alexander, Jennie Hill, Karissa Grier, Lorien Macauley, Alisa Mckenzie, Tadashi Totten, Kathleen Porter, Jamie M. Zoellner Oct 2016

Evaluating The Feasibility Of A Gardening And Nutrition Intervention With A Matched Contact-Control Physical Activity Intervention Targeting Youth, Ramine Alexander, Jennie Hill, Karissa Grier, Lorien Macauley, Alisa Mckenzie, Tadashi Totten, Kathleen Porter, Jamie M. Zoellner

The Journal of Extension

The study reported here involved Cooperative Extension as a key research partner and was guided by a community-based participatory research approach and a feasibility study framework. The research objective was to assess four indicators of feasibility (i.e., acceptability, demand, implementation, and limited-effectiveness) of a gardening and nutrition program delivered at three youth community sites as compared to a matched contact-control physical activity intervention delivered at three different youth community sites. Conducted in a medically underserved region, the mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study revealed numerous opportunities for and barriers to increasing youths' willingness to try fruits and vegetables and increasing physical activity among …


Cooking Healthy, Eating Smart: A Strategically Timed Formative Evaluation Of A Community-Based Nutrition And Food Safety Program For Rural Older Adults, Angela Fraser, Morgan G. Chao, Elaine J. Amella, Martina Mueller Jun 2016

Cooking Healthy, Eating Smart: A Strategically Timed Formative Evaluation Of A Community-Based Nutrition And Food Safety Program For Rural Older Adults, Angela Fraser, Morgan G. Chao, Elaine J. Amella, Martina Mueller

The Journal of Extension

The use of focus groups to formatively evaluate community-based curricula after development and before pilot testing is not highlighted in the literature. In the study discussed in this article, research with four focus groups, composed of 46 women aged 65 years and older and belonging to eight South Carolina Family and Community Leaders clubs, was conducted to evaluate the Cooking Healthy, Eating Smart (CHES) curriculum. The CHES curriculum was tailored based on suggestions from the older adults. Extension professionals can better prepare a curriculum for pilot testing in the community by conducting a formative evaluation using focus groups with community …


Using Consumer Input To Guide The Development Of A Nutrition And Health Website, Laura Bellows, Jessica Clifford, Elisa Shackelton Oct 2015

Using Consumer Input To Guide The Development Of A Nutrition And Health Website, Laura Bellows, Jessica Clifford, Elisa Shackelton

The Journal of Extension

Consumers want timely, research-based information available online. The project objective was to develop a user-friendly nutrition and health website for Colorado Extension consumers. An electronic survey (n=381) was administered to current and potential Extension consumers to understand their: use of the Web and electronic devices; topics of interest; and preferred mode of information delivery. Results, in conjunction with best practices for website usability and health literacy, were used to develop the Live Eat Play Colorado website. Audience-centered websites with content packaged in small doses and delivered via multiple modalities may enhance reach and use of university and Extension resources.


Low-Income Mothers' Perceptions Of Barriers To Using Farmers Markets: A Snap-Ed Initiative To Understand Access Points To Local Foods, Sarah A. Misyak, Meredith Ledllie Johnson, Mary M. Mcferren, Jennifer L. Culhane, Kim L. Niewolny, Kathryn Hosig, Elena Serrano Aug 2015

Low-Income Mothers' Perceptions Of Barriers To Using Farmers Markets: A Snap-Ed Initiative To Understand Access Points To Local Foods, Sarah A. Misyak, Meredith Ledllie Johnson, Mary M. Mcferren, Jennifer L. Culhane, Kim L. Niewolny, Kathryn Hosig, Elena Serrano

The Journal of Extension

The study reported here describes a Virginia Family Nutrition Program's target population's perceptions of barriers to using a farmers market to access local foods. Mothers from a rural county photographed their shopping experience. Using a photo elicitation process to develop themes related to food access, the mothers identified barriers to shopping at farmers markets. The results can provide guidance to agents, program assistants, and farmers market coordinators on promoting use of farmers markets by low-income populations. The development of experiential learning opportunities to overcome barriers is critical if farmers markets are encouraged as an avenue for promoting healthy eating.


Using Search Engine Optimization Techniques To Enhance The Visibility Of Web-Based Extension Fact Sheets, Reanna Moore, Elisa Shackleton, Laura Bellows Apr 2015

Using Search Engine Optimization Techniques To Enhance The Visibility Of Web-Based Extension Fact Sheets, Reanna Moore, Elisa Shackleton, Laura Bellows

The Journal of Extension

To compete in today's online environment, Extension needs to increase its visibility through search engine results. The study reported here evaluated the impact of using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques on six Web-based Extension Nutrition and Health fact sheets by examining data pre- and post-fact sheet revision from Google Analytics and rankings on Google results page. Comparing Pageviews data pre-and post-revision, the Pageviews for all six fact sheets increased, ranging from 101% to 281%, over a 3-month timeframe. Application of SEO techniques to Extension publications has the potential to increase the visibility of Extension's credible and research-based information.


Factors Influencing Latino Participation In Community-Based Diabetes Education, Sarah L. Francis, Amber Noteman, Ruth Litchfield Oct 2014

Factors Influencing Latino Participation In Community-Based Diabetes Education, Sarah L. Francis, Amber Noteman, Ruth Litchfield

The Journal of Extension

An Extension diabetes program (DP) was revised for Latinos; however, participation was limited. Factors influencing low participation rates were examined. Five Latinos interested in the DP participated in a focus group discussion. Transcripts were analyzed for themes. Preferred education programs were multi-session, local, group classes led by an engaging teacher during the summer. Participants learned of the DP through friends and Extension; preferred marketing strategies were Spanish radio, local health clinics, and Spanish-print media. Attendance barriers included scheduling conflicts. Limited use of culturally preferred marketing and scheduling conflicts were likely barriers. Culturally appropriate programs should use culturally preferred marketing strategies …


Use Of Program Theory In A Nutrition Program For Grandchildren And Grandparents, Mallory Koenings, Sara Arscott Aug 2013

Use Of Program Theory In A Nutrition Program For Grandchildren And Grandparents, Mallory Koenings, Sara Arscott

The Journal of Extension

Grandparents University ® (GPU) is a 2-day campus-based nutrition education program for grandparents and grandchildren based on constructs from Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. This article describes how program theory was used to develop a working model, design activities, and select outcome measures of a 2-day nutrition program at GPU 2010 that fostered behavioral intention among intergenerational participants to eat more fruits and vegetables and become more physically active.


Mobile Learning And The Visual Web, Oh My! Nutrition Education In The 21st Century, Ellen Schuster Dec 2012

Mobile Learning And The Visual Web, Oh My! Nutrition Education In The 21st Century, Ellen Schuster

The Journal of Extension

Technology is rapidly changing how our program participants learn in school and for their personal improvement. Extension educators who deliver nutrition program will want to be aware of the technology trends that are driving these changes. Blended learning, mobile learning, the visual Web, and the gamification of health are approaches to consider using in programming in the near future to meet learners' expectations.


Fun With Foodella: A Pilot Study For Determining The Efficacy Of A 2nd Grade Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum, Elizabeth M. Winter, Suzanne Stluka, Karlys Wells, Howard Wey, Teresa M. Kemmer Aug 2012

Fun With Foodella: A Pilot Study For Determining The Efficacy Of A 2nd Grade Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum, Elizabeth M. Winter, Suzanne Stluka, Karlys Wells, Howard Wey, Teresa M. Kemmer

The Journal of Extension

Fun with Foodella is a nutrition and physical activity workbook designed for elementary-aged youth. The objective was to determine if the Fun with Foodella program increased participant preference for fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and physical activity. Four intervention (53 students) and four control (68 students) schools participated. Significant results within the intervention group included a positive preference change for cucumbers, celery, pineapple, flavored milk, cheese, yogurt, and physical activity. This pilot Foodella program, coordinated by Extension professionals, demonstrates that promoting nutrition education, taste testing and physical activity in second graders results in positive change.


Jump Into Action, Stephen Ball, Ann Cohen, Margaret Meyer Jun 2012

Jump Into Action, Stephen Ball, Ann Cohen, Margaret Meyer

The Journal of Extension

Jump Into Action (JIA) is a school-based team-taught program to help fifth-grade students make healthy food choices and be more active. The JIA team (physical education teacher, classroom teacher, school nurse, and parent) work together to provide a supportive environment as students set goals to improve food choices and increase activity. Following the program, students demonstrated increased self efficacy and knowledge of health behaviors. Students also reported, 1) drinking less soda and sugar added drinks, 2) spending more time being physically active, and 3) consuming four servings of dairy products more frequently.


Review Of Healthy, Happy Families, Christine M. Helfrich, Robert J. Fetsch, Gisele Jefferson Aug 2011

Review Of Healthy, Happy Families, Christine M. Helfrich, Robert J. Fetsch, Gisele Jefferson

The Journal of Extension

The number of obese children has nearly tripled in the past 30 years. Research has identified a clear connection between parental income, education, ethnicity, and the risk for obesity. Recent research demonstrates that parenting style may also impact the ability to establish healthy eating environments. This article reviews a program, currently being piloted, that integrates parenting and nutrition—Healthy, Happy Families.


A Method For Collaborative Assessment Of Fish Consumption Risks And Benefits, Susan Donaldson, Kerry Seymour Dec 2010

A Method For Collaborative Assessment Of Fish Consumption Risks And Benefits, Susan Donaldson, Kerry Seymour

The Journal of Extension

Conflicting media messages about the health benefits of eating fish have increased during the past decade. Mercury concentrations in fish continue to be documented, while nutritionists promote the benefits of eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. A simple, low-cost method to assess consumption patterns by anglers was developed in collaboration with a mercury chemist and state wildlife officials. This information will help Extension professionals develop and deliver research-based recommendations about the risks and benefits of eating fish while incorporating local fish advisories.


Applying New Diabetes Teaching Tools In Health-Related Extension Programming, Alexandra Grenci Feb 2010

Applying New Diabetes Teaching Tools In Health-Related Extension Programming, Alexandra Grenci

The Journal of Extension

In response to the emerging global diabetes epidemic, health educators are searching for new and better education tools to help people make positive behavior changes to successfully prevent or manage diabetes. Conversation Maps® are new learner-driven education tools that have been developed to empower individuals to improve their health outcomes. While the tools were originally developed for clinical settings, this article describes a model Extension health outreach program that uses Conversation Map techniques to teach diabetes awareness and healthy eating in community group settings. These techniques can be used as a model for teaching other health topics to adult learners.


The Efficacy Of Kidquest: A Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum For 5th And 6th Grade Youth, Becky Jensen, Kendra Kattelmann, Cuirong Ren, Howard Wey Jun 2009

The Efficacy Of Kidquest: A Nutrition And Physical Activity Curriculum For 5th And 6th Grade Youth, Becky Jensen, Kendra Kattelmann, Cuirong Ren, Howard Wey

The Journal of Extension

KidQuest is a nutrition and physical activity curriculum for 5th to 6th grade youth engaging participants in goal setting, self-monitoring, and reinforcement. Evaluation of the program over the 2005-2006 school year involved a nonrandom sample of 98 intervention and 38 control group participants in rural South Dakota using baseline and ending surveys. Self-reported improvements in breakfast frequency, dairy intake, increased frequency of looking at the food label, and increased food label knowledge were observed in the intervention group, with no significant change in the control group.


Barriers To A Healthy Lifestyle: From Individuals To Public Policy—An Ecological Perspective, Nurgul Fitzgerald, Kim Spaccarotella Feb 2009

Barriers To A Healthy Lifestyle: From Individuals To Public Policy—An Ecological Perspective, Nurgul Fitzgerald, Kim Spaccarotella

The Journal of Extension

By using an ecological framework, this article provides a review of common barriers to healthful eating and being physically active. The barriers are described within the four levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, community/institution, and macro/public policy) of an ecological model highlighting the need for multifaceted approaches to overcome these barriers. Examples of how Extension professionals can effectively target these barriers to promote healthier lifestyles and encourage the development of related policies and community programs are given. Practical examples of interventions that have successfully used an ecological model to promote behavior change are also provided.