Researcher(s)
- Eve Doyle, Nutritional Science, University of Delaware
- Amelia Villamagna, Nutritional Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Michelle Voegele, Cooperative Extension- EFNEP, University of Delaware
- Diane Oliver, Cooperative Extension- EFNEP, University of Delaware
Abstract
Healthy habits for children should be developed throughout childhood as children gain more independence but are still observing and adopting the habits of those around them. Over the course of the summer, seven summer camps in New Castle County, Delaware participated with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) which is funded through the USDA-NIFA. By providing five nutrition education lessons and recipe demonstrations to each camp for elementary school-aged children with the evidenced-based curriculum “Choosing Foods for Me,” the goal was to encourage healthful dietary and exercise-related habits that will persist into adulthood. From covering the five food groups of MyPlate to breaking down the digestion process, and even learning to read nutrition facts labels, various nutrition topics were discussed at each location. The use of colorful posters and realistic food models provided vibrant visuals and aided in the learning process. On the first and last day of each camp week, pre- and post-surveys were administered to observe positive behavioral changes. Both surveys were then entered into a database to generate a report and establish if improvements were made through implementing the camper’s expanded knowledge towards making thoughtful and informed dietary choices. For example, after learning how to read and interpret a nutrition facts label, many students expressed interest in practicing this new skill. Campers would come in the next day beaming with pride to announce that they had read a nutrition facts label at the grocery store. Among many findings, the main takeaways of this project revealed a majority of the youth demonstrated increased ability to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations and more than half improved their physical activity practices. This program was made possible through the generous support of Paul and Linda McConnell, whose contribution is gratefully acknowledged.