Presented By: Amy Gannon, MS, RD, LD Extension Specialist & SNAP-Ed Coordinator Joeline Swann Nutrition Outreach Instructor Monongalia County Extension Service

What is the WV Family Nutrition Program (FNP)?  The family nutrition program is comprised of:  Nutrition, food, and physical activity projects designed to help limited resource families youth and adults improve their health.  We provide nutrition education to adults and children in a variety of community settings including work force development programs, faith-based organizations, schools, and day camps.  We are funded by SNAP-Education (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Goals and Objectives FNP  FNP encourages the adoption of healthy lifestyle behavior by:  Teaching nutrition education using the USDA’s MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines  Providing hands-on nutrition education lessons and food demonstrations  Cen$tible Nutrition for adult audiences  Show Me Nutrition for school-based youth  Wild & Wonderful Camp Challenge for summer-based youth  Helping participants to stretch their food dollars, plan menus, and read food labels  Encouraging participants to devote more time to being physically active  Collaborating with state and local agencies to form the WV Nutrition Network

Target Audience  Family Nutrition Program targets :  Youth at schools, preschools, and summer camps where more than 50% of participants are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program.  Limited Resource adults living at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

Program Delivery  FNP programs range from the direct delivery of nutrition information to social marketing campaigns in over 40 counties by the following individuals:  50 Nutritional Outreach Instructors  50 County Agents  2,000 volunteers

Summer Camping 2013 Program Summary  19 Nutrition Outreach Instructors  22 Counties  1800 children  92 camps delivered  13 Energy Express Camps  1 Independent Camp  20 4-H Camps  47 Partner Camps  11 Preschool Camps

FNP Community Camping Partners  Boys and Girls clubs  4-H programs  YMCA programs  Summer school programs  Energy Express programs  Community health center programs  Soccer clubs  Colleges  Libraries  City parks  Day care centers  Preschools  Vacation Bible Schools

FNP Summer Camping Programs  Provide a continuity of nutrition education during the summer months  Research shows many children gain weight during the summer  Provide a safe, fun, and enriching learning environment for preschool aged and 9-12 year old children  Provide an opportunity to partner with community organizations and other USDA programs, such as the Summer Food Service Program, to reach needy children  Provide opportunities for children to be physically active and receive healthy food tastings outside of the school environment

Preschool Nutrition Education and Summer Camping

Why Preschool Nutrition Education?  30.8% of WV preschool children are either overweight or obese (compared to 24% nationally)  3/4 of US children spend time in organized childcare- an ideal setting for promoting healthy behaviors in young children  12% of WV children live in poverty (compared to 10% nationally )

FNP’s Pre-K Program: About the Lessons  Scripted lessons are used, each beginning with a nutrition-related book  Other components include:  Food tasting experiences  Hands-on nutrition activities which engage the five senses  Examples include: food art, coloring, manipulating new foods and other kinesthetic activities  Lessons on food safety, healthy food choices and the benefits of physical activity Barb Trogdon, Youth NOI teaching a preschool lesson in Wayne County.

Teacher Response to the Program  “I loved how there was an activity at the end of each story read. I feel that the kids really enjoyed it.”  “We enjoyed this because it introduced children to different foods that some may never try. It also provided parents with recipes and nutritional ideas and facts. The children and staff loved the program and enjoyed the foods that were involved.”  “It was very beneficial to our children. It helped break up the monotony of the day and gave them something to look forward to.”

Opportunities for Partnering with FNP  Are there opportunities in your library to partner with the Family Nutrition Program?  Questions?