Progress 10/01/06 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A convenience sample was recruited by sending letters to eligible parents and caregivers of 4-year old children asking them to participate in a telephone survey. Respondents who signed and returned the bottom portion of the letter were called by the between April 5, 2009 and May 5, 2009. A total of 141 caregivers returned the consent forms. Out of those, fifty-three English-speaking caregivers completed interviews. The short interview survey collected information on the dietary practices and behaviors surrounding weight maintenance and perceptions of weight status. Specifically, the survey instrument captured attitudes, behaviors, and practices surrounding food purchases, meal preparation, diet and physical activity levels. Participants were asked about their eating habits and those of their children. Items on the survey captured eating habits such as trying new foods, meal planning, food insecurity, disposition and location while eating meals, and how frequently they occurred during a typical week. Duration and frequency of vigorous and moderate physical activity were gathered for the parents. Information on physical activities done with the children also was solicited. Qualitative data collected the parents' opinions regarding dietary practices and physical activities to identify perceived barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. Participants were asked to classify their perceived weight status as "underweight," "about right," or "overweight." The 67-item survey took approximately 15 to 20 minutes to administer. An educational brochure was delivered to parents at a Head Start meeting. On another occasion, 25 caregivers attending a parent meeting completed a survey related to family interactions and perceptions. Questions covered areas about eating behavior, family activity, and weight. A third survey aimed at assessing low income household's knowledge of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines (DGA) and the likelihood of their meeting the guidelines was conducted using face to face method. The survey covered issues involving their reading of food labels, factors affecting food purchase decisions and eating habits including fruits and vegetables, socio-economic and demographic characteristics. In a study conducted at two grocery stores in low-income areas of Nashville, shoppers were interviewed as they exited the stores and were asked a variety of questions about their purchases. Their grocery receipts were scanned and the foods purchased were categorized into food groups. In the final study observations were made on how the people who occupy parks interact with one another, as well as use the playground equipment. A total of 39 parks were observed for the project. During observations a rating scale was used to assess the overall conditions of the playgrounds on a scale of 1-5. Surrounding facilities were also scored according to their condition and availability at each individual park. PARTICIPANTS: Sandria Godwin, Principal Investigator; Margaret Machara, co-investigator; Fisseha Tegegne, co-investigator; Enefiok Ekanem, co-investigator; Veronica Oates, co-investigator, Leslie Speller-Henderson, Extension Assistant Professor, collaborator; Richard Stone and Cindy Thompson, Research Assistants, Debra Collins-Biggs, Deborah Goddard, and Tamera Banks, Dietetics Students; Traci Miller, Child Development student; Sharon Suggs, Nutrition Director, Metropolitan Action Commission. TARGET AUDIENCES: Only low-income individuals and families were included in this project. THey were various ethicities so educational materials were provided in english, spanish and kurdish. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Eighty-three percent of the head start parents reported eating together as a family on a daily basis. The majority also reported engaging their child in food preparation. Only 56 percent reported having enough money to meet nutritional needs "most of the time". However, 57 percent reported usually buying nutritious foods. Over two thirds reported knowing some nutrition, but wished to know more. Almost half of parents described their own weight as "about right". Almost as many said that they were "overweight". Sixty-four percent of respondents reported wishing to lose weight. When caregiver's BMI were calculated based on reported height and weight, 35.2% of caregivers were not overweight. Nineteen percent of caregivers were determined to be overweight and 46.4% were obese. When asked what things would help them eat healthier; time, money and knowledge topped the list along with motivation. Convenience, time and company were listed as things that would help parents exercise more. Parents reported that they do encourage their children to be physically active and that their children are very active. Slightly over half of the participants reported playing games outside with their child and taking their child to the park several times a week. Many parents report trying new foods themselves and with their children. The majority report eating family meals 4-7 days a week and 65 percent report that their children always help them plan meals. Half of the parents report that their children eat while watching TV only one day a week or fewer. While the majority of parents report that they never use food for punishment or reward, most insisted that their children eat all the food on their plate. Most persons have no knowledge of the DGA and most do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Their food purchase decisions are found to be influenced by price rather than health considerations. Most indicated their willingness to change their current food consumption habit but would require nutrition education emphasizing the health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables. They also indicated the need for tips to engage in physical exercise along with availability of facilities at modest cost. Shoppers who were interviewed at the grocery stores reported that nutrition was the most important factor considered when making purchase decisions. Most participants were aware that diseases are linked to poor diets. Few individuals had heard of the DGA but were usually familiar with the Food Pyramid. The food category most often lacking in the grocery sacks was fruit, followed by vegetables. Meats accounted for the largest percentage of the purchases. Evidence shows that some parks are in great condition and properly equipped for people to use. The average rating for playgrounds was a 3.7 on a 5 point scale. Some parks had little to no equipment for use. Some parks did not have restrooms and 47.1 were not handicapped accessible. Some adults had little involvement with the children during the observation. Foods eaten at the parks were usually deemed unhealthy.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Multiple projects were completed during the past year. The second summer of the food gleaning project was conducted. This year we not only collected produce from the Nashville Farmers Market but also from a Whole Foods store. Once again foods deemed edible were distributed to community members. The amount of produce distributed was recorded, along with the approximate number of people who received the items. The potential impacts of the project, both on the recipients and the environment, were assessed. Shade tree discussions were held with limited resource individuals to better understand the effects of the economic downturn and rising cost of food on their food purchasing decisions. Grocery store receipts were collected outside of two local supermarkets and from Habitat for Humanity participants and food purchases were analyzed. In another phase of this project twenty-five caregivers attending a parent meeting completed a survey related to family interactions and perceptions. Questions covered areas about eating behavior, family activity, and weight. An in depth survey about perceived challenges to managing weight has been developed and will be used for telephone interviews this year. PARTICIPANTS: Sandria Godwin, Principal Investigator; Margaret Machara, co-investigator; Fisseha Tegegne, co-investigator; Enefiok Ekanem, co-investigator; Veronica Oates, co-investigator, Leslie Speller-Henderson, Extension Assistant Professor, collaborator; Richard Stone and Cindy Thompson, Research Assistants, Debra Collins-Biggs, Deborah Goddard, and Tamera Banks, Dietetics Students; Traci Miller, Child Development student; Sharon Suggs, Nutrition Director, Metropolitan Action Commission. We worked with Habitat for Humanity, staff at the Metropolitan Action Commission, managers at local supermarkets, Sean Siple of Good Food for Good People, and Jeff Thimm of the Nashville Farmer's Market. TARGET AUDIENCES: The ultimate target audiences for this project include limited resource individuals and families. The majority of the participants are african american and hispanic, although a few are caucasian and kurdish. A portion of the project is specifically for parents of overweight preschool children. Educational programs have been presented and are being prepared for these groups. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
A total of 54,083 pounds of food were recovered 23,827 pounds of which were delivered to low income individuals and feeding programs. This represents an income supplement to the individuals and feeding programs of $17,870. Diverting 27 tons of waste saved Nashville Farmer's Market $1900 in disposal and hauling fees. The estimated 20 yards of highly fertile compost represents an economic equivalent of approximately $1,000. With the increased cost of food this past year, recipients have had to rely more on what is given to them and to search for ways to stretch the few food dollars they have. Transportation to stores is a serious problem. Individuals who have cars were less willing to take others to the store without being paid. Thus, fewer trips were being made, resulting in the purchase of more staple items and less produce at the store. Shoppers reported that price, taste, and nutrition were the most important factors considered when selecting foods. Twenty nine percent of the items purchased were meat, 20 percent grains and 19 percent vegetables. Very few purchased fruit or dairy products. Results of the Head Start survey indicate that most families eat together on a daily basis. The majority also reported engaging their child in food preparation "very often" or as much as the parent desired their help. Only 56 percent of respondents reported having enough money to meet nutritional needs "most of the time". However, 57 percent reported usually buying nutritious foods. Over two thirds reported knowing something about nutrition, but wished to know more. Participants were asked questions related to perceptions about their own weight and their child's weight. About half of the respondents reported their weight as about right, though 44 percent reported being overweight. Very few parents thought that their child was overweight (8 percent) or underweight (12 percent). Only 16 percent reported playing indoor games with their child every day; although forty-eight percent report playing indoor games several times a week. Slightly over half of the participants reported playing games outside with their child (52 percent) and taking their child to the park (56 percent) several times a week when the weather was nice. Projects such as the Good Food for Good People Food Recovery Program can increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce the cost of disposal of the unused food, and provide materials for composting for use on gardens. Limited resource persons need assistance with making wise food selections and stretching their food dollars. More money should be spent on fruits and dairy products and less on discretionary calories. The Head Start parents surveyed seemed to interact frequently with their children and try to meet their families' nutritional needs. There did seem to be an acknowledgement of weight issues with the parents. Since these findings were self reported, it is unclear whether observational methods would confirm these behaviors.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Using a combination of paid staff and community service volunteers, some of the discards from local farmers and produce sellers at the Nashville Farmer's Market were collected and culled through. Foods deemed edible were distributed to community members for free on the same day using a "Veggie Van". Distribution partners included emergency food kitchens, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, summer programs, Boys and Girls Clubs and Metro Davidson Housing Authority residential towers. The bulk of the food was delivered curbside to over a 1,000 residents in housing authority neighborhoods and low income apartment complexes. Brochures describing the nutritional value of the produce and suggestions for preparation were distributed with the gleaned items. The amount of produce distributed was recorded, along with the approximate number of people who received the items. The potential nutritional and economic impact, both on the recipients and the environment, of this project
was assessed. Recipients of the food were interviewed to assess their perception of the value of the project. We have continued to work with the participants in the Habitat for Humanity program. Prior to beginning the new 6 month long program, we revised the original questionnaire and divided it into three parts. We also decided that three lessons were not enough to cover the information we believed needed to be included. Therefore, we developed six interactive lessons which included activities that required the adults and children to collaborate. The Cooperative Extension Specialist delivered the lesson in collaboration with one of the researchers and several students. Health assessments, including BMI and blood pressure, were completed during two sessions. Additionally, an informative flyer was mailed to each participant between the monthly lessons, reminding them to complete their assignment to receive a prize. A pilot project was completed with Head Start parents and children
whereby we assessed the weight status of the head start children then interviewed some of the parents about their shopping and activity practices, dietary habits, and practices related to family well being. A comparison was made between the parents reported habits and the children's weight. For the second phase of this project, the pre-assessment questionnaire was developed and reviewed by the Head Start staff. Children were interviewed before the intervention phase. Lesson plans were written for 4 interactive sessions that were delivered in five Head Start classes by students in the Child Nutrition class. Parents were interviewed at two Head Start locations. Arrangements have been made to obtain the statistical data we need to assess the children's health status. We are preparing a standard form that will be used by the Family Service Workers to notify parents of all Head Start students of their childs weight status.
PARTICIPANTS: Sandria Godwin, Principal Investigator; Margaret Machara, co-investigator; Fisseha Tegegne, co-investigator; Enefiok Ekanem, co-investigator; Leslie Speller-Henderson, Extension Assistant Professor, collaborator; Peggy Edwards and Theresa Parfaite-Bryant, Nursing staff, Draughons Junior College; Cindy Thompson, Research Assistant; Debra Collins-Biggs, Dietetics Student; Roshelle Pickens, Dietetics Student; Tamera Banks, Dietetics Student; 40 students in child nutrition class; Ellen Hingst, Family Services Director, Education, Habitat for Humanity; Sharon Suggs, Nutrition Director, Metropolitan Action Commission; along with Faculty and other Administrators
TARGET AUDIENCES: Habitat for Humanity house recipients (low income); Head Start parents and children (low-income, high percentage of african-american and non-caucasians); individuals living in low-income housing areas, individuals eating at missions and churches (low-income)
Impacts
A total of 77,867 pounds of food was recovered. Of this, 44,453 pounds were delivered to low income individuals and feeding programs. Using a conservative estimate of a value of $.75 per pound of food recovered, this represents an income supplement to the individuals and feeding programs of $33,339. Diverting 39 tons of waste saved the Nashville Farmer's Market an estimated $2,140 in disposal and hauling fees. The estimated 25 yards of highly fertile compost represents an economic equivalent of approximately $1,200. Recipients of the produce were generally very or extremely satisfied with the program. Several reported that receiving the gleaned foods allowed them to purchase other foods with the money that they saved. Ten percent stated that they would not have had any food to eat if they had not received the recovered produce. Fourteen percent said that they would not have known that they liked this food had it not been given to them to try, and now planned to use
their own money to buy the food in the future. Projects such as the Good Food for Good People Food Recovery Program can increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce the cost of disposal of the unused food, and provide materials for composting for use on gardens. Eighty percent of the adults who participated in the Habitat for Humanity lessons were overweight or obese. A small portion had high blood pressure. The majority of the adults and children reported that they learned something new from the lesson, planned to do what they learned, and planned to share this information with a friend or relative. When asked at the following lesson whether they did anything different, most of the respondents said they had not. Additionally, very few persons had completed the task for the month. Evidently the incentive offered did not stimulate a behavioral response. We also found that this group was very difficult to work with. The participants varied from month to month, there were
huge language barriers, and the majority of them came to us after a long day at work. Thus, the energy level was relatively low. Analysis of the first Head Start study did not show that a definite relationship existed between the parent and childs weight nor their exercise habits. However, this showed the need for the more in depth study as was planned. Several challenges precluded the proper matching of the questionnaires of the parents and children in the second study. Thus additional follow-up work needs to be completed before assessing the results. The teachers in the Head Start classes reported that the four lessons were well-planned and well-received by the children. The majority of the children tried the new foods that were introduced, with mixed results. For example, the cucumber juice was not liked by most children. None of the children returned the activity that was sent home with them for completion and receipt of a prize. It is believed that more direct control by the
researchers of this project would be beneficial.
Publications
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Focus on Fiber Fitness; Thermy Says; Healthy Habits for Healthy Families; Eating Better Together. Newsletters: Mailouts.
- Machara, M. 2007. Keeping Healthy Choices Healthy; Create Balance; Take Care of Your Body; Healthy Choices on a Budget. Newsletters: Mailouts.
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Past Perfect Peaches. TSU Publ. No. 07-0001(A)-3-532104-2a;
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Natures Versatile Veggie: Green Beans. TSU Publ. No. 07-0001(A)-3-532104-3a;
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Natures Versatile Veggie: Sweet Potatoes. TSU Publ. No. 07-0001(A)-3-532104-4a;
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Past Perfect Tomatoes. TSU Publ. No. 07-0001(A)-3-532104-5a;
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Past Perfect Melons. TSU Publ. No. 07-0001(A)-3-532104-6a;
- Godwin, S. and Collins-Biggs, D. 2007. Natures Versatile Veggie: Zucchini. TSU Publ. No. 07-0001(A)-3-532104-7a. Handouts.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Three multi-phase projects have been designed and are in progress. For the first project, health-related data was obtained for all students enrolled in the Head Start Program in Davidson County and is being used to identify potentially at-risk children. Reporting forms have been designed and are being completed. Two questionnaires have been developed for use in conducting in depth personal and brief telephone interviews with the parents of the Head Start children. An additional questionnaire has been developed to use when interviewing the children. Educational materials are being identified to chare with the parents and children following the interviews. The second project is with families who participate the Habitat for Humanity program. The same questionnaires developed for the first project will be used to interview the parents and children, following which three sets of lessons on lifelong health have been scheduled for delivery, followed by post-lesson
interviews. Thirdly, we have planned a summer program with youth in Nashville who will set up produce stands in limited resource neighborhoods, which will include distribution of nutrition and food safety literature. Additionally they will conduct interviews with residents to assess their opinions of the challenges faced when trying to eat a nutritious diet.
Impacts
Over 1300 parents will receive nutrition and health information through our efforts with the Head Start program. The participants will exhibit improved parameters such as healthier weight, lower blood pressure, more desirable percent body fat, better school attendance, and improved family well-being, and will have maintained the healthy practices they exhibited at the beginning of the project, if any. Adults and children will be participating in the activities that lead to long-term healthy living. Targeted stakeholder agencies will benefit from increased parental participation in their programs. The online lessons developed and tested during this project in middle Tennessee can be made available for use nationwide by Habitat for Humanity participants as part of their sweat equity program. Information obtained during this project can also assist policy makers, nutrition educators, and other researchers to have a better understanding of the relationship between income,
food choices, nutrition, and health.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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