Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience: Through partnerships with LPS and the CLCs, the fourth year of WeCook programming was implemented at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools. These are both Title I schools within the LPS district. The participating audience was 4th and 5th grade youth attending these two schools, with 12 males and 31 females being reached (43 total participants spanning the fall and spring semesters). The demographics of the youth participants were as follows: Hispanic or Latino: 8 (18.6%); Asian: 2 (4.6%); Black or African American: 12 (27.9%); Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 2 (4.6%); White: 27 (62.8%). The diversity of this audience is significant when compared to the overall demographics of Lincoln, NE, which are as follows: 4% Hispanic or Latino, 2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3% Black or African American, and 89% White. While these youth were the primary audience, their families were also reached through educational handouts and three in-person family nights per site per sememester. Attendance at each family night ranged from 35-50 youth and adults per event. Changes/Problems:Due to the resignation of the afterschool program coordinator at West Lincoln elementary school directly before the spring 2019 semester, WeCook was implemented in a shortened form. It was implemented during the fourth quarter of the 2018-2019 school year and included abbreviated versions of the family meal events. Pre- and post-evaluation results were not included in the aggregated data for this report because of these changes to the WeCook program at this site. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The PI, program coodinator, and two graduate assistants attended the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in Columbus, OH in October 2018. The PI and program coodinator attended the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference in November 2018 and the 4-H annual training in January 2019. The program coordinator and one graduate assistant then attended the National Health Outreach Conference in Fort Worth, TX in May 2019. The WeCook team attended the annual CYFAR Workshop in Washington, DC in June 2019, with the PI and program coordinator presenting concurrent sessions alongside the Nebraska CYFAR coach. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results and best practices were shared at national conferences via presentations and poster sessions. One peer-reviewed article was published during the reporting period and one was submitted for review. These citations can be found in the products section of this final report. The WeCook team has also disseminated results within the community to foster interest in sustaining the program in an effort to continue reaching local youth and families. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth were significantly more likely to respond correctly regarding the benefits of physical activity from the beginning of the program to the end. In addition, parents reported a significant decrease in their child's time spent using a computer for non-school-related tasks and a significant decrease in overall sedentary behavior from the beginning of the program to the end. However, parents also reported a significant decrease in physical activity during the afterschool hours and in overall physical activity from the beginning of the program to the end. This may be related to the higher number of participants in this cohort having participated in fall semester, which is known to have a general decrease in physical activity in youth as daylight wanes and midwest weather worsens with the onset of winter. Although youth did not report a change self-efficacy for healthy nutrition choices (e.g., being able to eat fruit for an afterschool snack or choose a small side of fries instead of a large), data from the parents shows that the adults perceived that it would be harder for their children to make those healthy choices at the end of the program compared to the beginning. However, it is possible that this may reflect greater awareness of their child's nutrition choices following the program. Overall healthy plate photo scores increased slightly from the beginning of the program to the end (from a mean of 4.1 out of 5 points to 4.3), but unlike the 2017-2018 reporting year, this change was not statistically significant. However, the high scores at the beginning of the program (which leave little room for improvement) and the somewhat smaller sample size than previous cohorts make it unlikely that a difference would be detected. Youth also scored overall higher on assessments of nutrition knowledge (a combination of survey questions asking youth to identify healthy snacks, the benefits of breakfast, etc.). Specifically, youth were significantly more likely to correctly identify the benefits of breakfast after the program compared to the beginning. Overall data from the four years of grant implementation shows increases in nutrition knowledge, self-reported frequency of healthy eating behaviors (such as choosing healthy snacks and eating breakfast), improvements in physical activity knowledge and behaviors, and increases in food preparation confidence for both the youth and their parents.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Dunker, T., Miramonti, A., Krehbiel, M. (2018, October). Assessing Nutrition Knowledge Using a Healthy Plate Photo Method among Youth Participating in the WeCook Program. PowerPoint presentation at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference, Columbus, OH.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dunker, T., Krehbiel, M. (2019, May). Sharing Best Practices: An Out-of-School Time Cooking, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Program for Underserved Youth. PowerPoint presentation at the National Health Outreach Conference, Fort Worth, TX.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dunker, T., Carroll, J., Krehbiel, M. (2019, June). Pilot to Publication: Sustaining opportunities for WeCook through manualizing curriculum. PowerPoint presentation at the CYFAR PDTA Workshop, Washington, DC.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M., (2018). Wecook fun with food and fitness: How an afterschool program impacts the home environment. Manuscript submitted for publication.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Miramonti, A., Bovaird, J., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2019, May). Unidimensionality and Internal Consistency Reliability of Step Counts and Floors Climbed in 4th-5th Grade Students. American College of Sports Medicine, Orlando, FL.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Franzen-Castle, L., Schlange, K., Walther, A., Dunker, T., Krehbiel, M. (2019, July). Parent/Caregiver Perceptions of Youth Health Outcomes after Participating in the WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness Program. Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Miramonti, A., Bovaird, J., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2019, June). Changes in Self-reported Healthy Eating Behavior Frequency and Nutrition Knowledge among Youth Participating in the WeCook Program. American Society for Nutrition Conference, Baltimore, MD.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Walther, A., Chai, W., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M., (2018). A New Way to Assess Nutrition Knowledge: The Healthy Plate Photo Method. Afterschool Matters, 28:3-9. https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.niost.org/images/afterschoolmatters/asm_2018_fall/ASM_Fall18_NutritionKnowledge.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Miramonti, A., Krehbiel, M., Bovaird, J., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L. (2019, April). A Program Evaluation of an Afterschool Nutrition, Cooking, and Physical Activity Program: WeCook: Food with Fun and Fitness. Nebraska Healthy Kids Summit Research Fair. Nebraska Innovation Campus, Lincoln, NE. (Poster)
|
Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Development of authentic community partnerships continued throughout the reporting period with the following local and community organizations: Lincoln Community Learning Centers (CLC), Lincoln Public Housing Authority, Lincoln Family Services, YMCA, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), Nebraska Department of Education, and Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln. Through these partnerships with LPS and the CLCs, the third year of WeCook programming was implemented at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools. These are both Title I schools within the LPS district. The participating audience was 4th and 5th grade youth attending these two schools, with 17 males and 43 females being reached (60 total participants spanning the fall and spring semesters). The demographics of the youth participants were as follows: Hispanic or Latino: 10 (16.7%); American Indian or Alaska Native: 2 (3.2%); Asian: 2 (3.2%); Black or African American: 19 (30.2%); Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 2 (3.2%); White: 38 (60.3%) The diversity of this audience is significant when compared to the overall demographics of Lincoln, NE, which are as follows: 4% Hispanic or Latino, 2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3% Black or African American, and 89% White. While these youth were the primary audience, their families were also reached through educational handouts and three in-person family nights per site per sememester. Attendance at each family night ranged from 35-50 youth and adults per event. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The PI attended the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in October 2017.The PI and program coodinator attended the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference in November 2017 and the 4-H annual training in January 2018. The PI and program coordinator also attended the Minority Health Disparities Conference in February 2018, where a WeCook poster was presented by a graduate research assistant working for the program. The program coordinator attended a half-day school wellness training in February 2018. The PI and program coordinator then attended the National Health Outreach Conference in Bloomington, MN in May 2018. The WeCook team attended the annual CYFAR Workshop in Washington, DC in June 2018, with CLC coordinators from both Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools being able to attend as well. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The following peer-review article has been published: Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2018). Increasing at-risk youth self-reported and objectively measured physical activity in an afterschool program. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 110(1), 59-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.14307/JFCS110.1.59 The following peer-reviewed articles have been submittedfor publication: Walther, A., Chai, W., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (in press). Assessing nutrition knowledge using a healthy plate photo method among youth participating in the WeCook program. Afterschool Matters Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (submitted for publication). WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness: How an afterschool program impacts the home environment. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension. The following poster was presented at a state conference: Walther, A., Heath, K., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2018, January). An afterschool program, WeCook, impacts the home environment. Poster session presented at the Minority Healthy Disparities Initiative Conference, Lincoln, NE. The WeCook team has also disseminated results within the community to foster interest in expanding the program in an effort to reach more youth and families. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?After school programming will continue at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools through a 12-week program targetingunderserved 4th and 5th graders. Youth participants will attend two 60-minute sessions per week dedicated to teaching foodpreparation skills, the importance of nutrition using USDA guidelines, and increasing physical activity through interactivegames. An estimated 60 youth and their families will be reached during the 2018- 2019school year. Youth's families will beinvited to participate in three family nights throughout the program, where youth showcased the skills they learned. Pre- andpost-surveys will be administered to youth and their parents/caregivers. Youth will also complete the following pre- andpost-programs evaluations (1) food models to build a healthy plate, with an evaluator photographing each plate, and (2) wearFitbits for one week to track physical activity. The program evaluator and graduate student will collect and analyzed the data.The data will be used for reporting to UDSA NIFA, Nebraska Extension and to key stakeholders, fordevelopment of manuscriptsand program sustainability. In addition to this, the WeCook team plans to continue working with the non-profit agency, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, todeliver the WeCook program at three additional Title 1 school during the 2018- 2019school year. This expansion is madepossible through a one-year expanded learning opportunities grant awarded by the Nebraska Legislature and administeredthrough the Nebraska Department of Education. Programming at the additional sites will be implemented in similar fashion to Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools. This partnership enables WeCook to reach an additional 90 youth and their?families per year.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Youth reported a significant improvement in overallhealthy eating (a combination ofeating fruits and vegetables, eating breakfast, choosing healthy snacks, and limiting/avoiding unhealthy foods like fries, chips, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages) at the end of the program compared to the beginning. MyPlate scores were significantly higher at the end of the program than at the beginning. In addition, youth demonstrated significant improvements innutrition knowledge regarding healthy snacks, the importance of breakfast, and fruit and vegetable intake at the end of the program compared to the beginning. Youth were significantly more likely to respond correctly regarding the benefits of physical activity and reported that they weresignificantly moreconfident in their ability to follow a recipe on their own at the end of the program compared to the beginning. Similar to the 2016-2017 reporting year, there was a seasonal effect on the change in average step counts from the beginning of the program to the end. Interestingly, this appears to differ between weekday and weekend step counts. In Fall 2017, averageweekday step counts decreased from pre to post testing, but average weekend step counts increased. In contrast, during Spring 2018, averageweekday step counts increased whileaverageweekend step counts decreased from pre to post testing.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2018). Increasing at-risk youth self-reported and objectively measured physical activity in an afterschool program. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 110(1), 59-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.14307/JFCS110.1.59
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Walther, A., Chai, W., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (in press). Assessing nutrition knowledge using a healthy plate photo method among youth participating in the WeCook program. Afterschool Matters.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (submitted for publication). WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness: How an afterschool program impacts the home environment. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Walther, A., Heath, K., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2018, January). An afterschool program, WeCook, impacts the home environment. Poster session presented at the Minority Healthy Disparities Initiative Conference, Lincoln, NE.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Walther, Ashley B. (2017) The Effect of a Youth Cooking Intervention on Nutrition Knowledge and Healthy Eating Behaviors among 4th & 5th Graders Attending Title I Schools. Nutrition & Healthy Sciences Dissertations & Theses. 70.
|
Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Development of solid community partnerships continued with the following local organizations: Lincoln Community Learning Centers (CLC), Lincoln Public Housing Authority, Lincoln Family Services, Lincoln Public Schools Nutrition Services Department (LPS), Lincoln Public Schools- Arnold & West Lincoln elementary, Nebraska Department for Education, and Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln (PHL). Through partnership with LPS and the CLCs, the second year of programming was implemented at Arnold & West Lincoln elementary schools (both Title I schools). The target audience was 4th and 5th grade youth, with 18 males and 43 females being reached (61 total participants spanning the fall and spring semesters). The demographics of program participants were as follows: Hispanic or Latino: 11 (18%);American Indian or Alaska Native: 4 (6.5%);Black or African American: 16 (26%); White: 35 (57%) The diversity of this audience is significant when compared to the overall demographics of Lincoln, NE, which are as follows: 4% Hispanic, 2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3% Black or African American, and 89% White. While these youth were the primary audience, their families were also reached via educational handouts and three in-person family nights per site per semester. Attendance at each family night ranged from 35-50 youth and adults per session. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The PI, state project coordinator, and graduate research assistant attended the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior in July 2016. In addition, the PI and state program coordinator attended the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in New Orleans, LA in October. The project state coordinator and PI also attended the Nebraska Extension Fall Conference in November.WeCook staff participated in January Training. The programm evaluatorhad the opportunity to attend the Experimental Biology conference in Chicago, IL from April 22 - 26, 2017. In April, the project state coordinator and PI attended the Student Wellness Education and Training conference in Kearney, NE.The program technology specialistand PI attended the annual CYFAR conference from May 17 - 18, 2017. Furthermore, the graduate research assistant and PI attended the National Health and Outreach Conference in Annapolis, MD from May 2 - 4, 2017. Both graduate students had the opportunity to provide training for undergraduate students who helped with WeCook programming at both programming locations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Over the past year the WeCook staff was able to present at several conferences. These include: Poster presentation at the annual conference for the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior showcasing results from the surveys, healthy plate photos, and Fitbits from the spring 2016 cohort. Poster presentation at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents highlighting the WeCook program. Poster presentation at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences highlighting the WeCook program. Poster presentation at the Experimental Biology Conference highlighting the healthy plate photo methods and results. Presentation at the National Health and Outreach Conference demonstrating the use of the healthy plate photo and Fitbits in evaluation for the WeCook program. One journal article, Fitbit and Fitabase Technology: Tracking and Evaluating Youth Physical Activity, has been accepted and published in the Journal of Extension. Another article has been accepted to be published in the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences. The WeCook program has also disseminated results within the community to foster interest in expanding the program to more locations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?After school programming will continue at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools through a 12-week program targeting underserved 4th and 5th graders. Youth participants will attend two 60-minute sessions per week dedicated to teaching food preparation skills, the importance of nutrition using USDA guidelines, and increasing physical activity through interactive games. An estimated 60 youth and their families will be reached during the 2017 - 2018 school year. Youth's families will be invited to participate in three family meal nights throughout the program, where youth showcased the skills they learned. Pre- and post-surveys will be administered to youth and their parents/caregivers. Youth will also complete the following pre- and post-programs evaluations (1) food models to build a healthy plate, with an evaluator photographing each plate, and (2) wear Fitbits for one week to track physical activity. The program evaluator and graduate student will collect and analyzed the data. The data will be used for reporting to UDSA NIFA, Nebraska Extension and to key stakeholders, development of manuscripts, and program sustainability. In addition to this, the WeCook team plans to continue working with the non-profit agency, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln to deliver the WeCook program at three additional Title 1 school during the 2017 - 2018 school year. This expansion is made possible through a one-year expanded learning opportunities grant awarded by the Nebraska Legislature and administered through the Nebraska Department of Education. Programming at the additional sites will be implemented similar fashion as it is at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools. This partnership enables WeCook to reach an additional 90 youth and their families.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
After school programs provide key opportunities to reduce childhood overweight and obesity rates by encouraging healthy habits. Mounting evidence links poor eating habits to lack of cooking at home and insufficient knowledge, a trend that is amplified among low-income families often lacking the time and budget to commit to proper nutrition. WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness addressed these issues through a 12-week program targeting underserved 4th and 5th graders. Participants attended two 60-minute sessions per week dedicated to teaching food preparation skills, the importance of nutrition using USDA guidelines, and increasing physical activity through interactive games. Families participated in three family meal nights throughout the program, where youth showcased the skills they learned. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to youth and their parents/caregivers. Youth also completed the following pre- and post-programs: (1) used food models to build a healthy plate, with an evaluator photographing each plate, and (2) wore Fitbits for one week to track physical activity. Statistical analysis was then conducted to assess changes related to program goals. Participants consisted of 4th and 5th grade youth (8-12 years) from two Title I schools in Lincoln, NE and their parents or primary caregivers (of 8- to 12-year-olds), for whom there were no age requirements. The 12 week programming continued to be held at both Arnold and West Lincoln elementary school during the 2016 - 2017 school year. Cohorts consisted of approximately 15 youth at each school (total reach of 61 youth and their families during fall 2016 and spring 2017). Programming continued to focus on teaching meal preparation skills, nutrition, and engagement in fun physical activities using a unique combination of current research- and evidence-based curricula. This integrative program model was drawn from existing frameworks, including: research-based Extension curricula focusing on helping youth and families improve healthy eating and physical activity participation and Fast Foods, a peer-reviewed, lifelong learning curriculum designed to help youth develop food preparation skills. Short-term goals included: (1) increasing knowledge of healthy food choices, (2) improving healthy food selection skills, and (3) increasing knowledge of physical activity benefits. Long-term goals included: (1) youth who engage in healthy eating and physical activity behaviors, and (2) families that provide an environment with access to safe, nutritious meals and regular physical activity. Based on program evaluation results, WeCook was able to leverage funds from state government sources to expand to three additional Title 1 elementary schools through a collaboration with a local non-profit agency, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln. Results from fall 2016 and spring 2017 demonstrated positive gains in the following areas: •Youth significantly increase their healthy plate photo scores, thus, illustrating gain in nutrition knowledge. •Youth significantly increased their knowledge about why physical activity is beneficial for them and their overall nutrition knowledge. •According to the responses from the parent survey, parents had a statistically significant positive increase in reporting they were more likely to joke and play with their child and believe that praising their child produced better results than punishing him/her. Results from the Fitbit data differed between the fall 2016 and spring 2017 and may indicate a seasonal effect on physical activity. In the fall youth significantly decreased the average amount of steps they took during the week Fitbits were worn at post-assessment. However, in the spring youth increased the average number of steps they took during the week Fitbits were worn at post-assessment but was not significant. A qualitative study of family members found that WeCook is impacting the home environment by increase youth confidence in the kitchen, implementing good food safety practices, and simply enjoying cooking. Additionally, family members report that families are engaged in more food preparation together, eat together more as a family and engage in more physical activity together.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Dunker, T., Krehbiel, M., Chai, W., Walther, A., Franzen-Castle, L., Jones, G., Wieczorek, M. (2016). WeCook after school program: Engaging underserved youth in fun food and fitness lessons to improve knowledge and skill. Poster presented at the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference, New Orleans, LA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Walther, A., Dunker, T., Krehbiel, M. (2016). Examining new assessment tools for a 4th and 5th grade youth healthy living afterschool program, WeCook. Evaluation report presented at The National Health and Outreach Conference, Annapolis, MD.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Chai, W., Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (2016). Assessing nutrition knowledge using healthy plate photos method among youth participating in WeCook. Poster presented at the Experimental Biology Conference. Chicago, IL.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Franzen-Castle, L., Dunker, T., Chai, W., Krehbiel, M. (2017) Fitbit and fitabase technology: Tracking and evaluating youth physical activity". Journal of Extension, 55(2), 1 6.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Walther, A., Dunker, T., Franzen-Castle, L., Krehbiel, M. (in press). Increasing at-risk youth self-reported and objectively measured physical activity in an afterschool program. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences.
|
Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Development of solid community partnerships continued with the following local organizations: Lincoln Community Learning Centers (CLC), Lincoln Public Housing Authority, Lincoln Family Services, Lincoln Public Schools Nutrition Services Department (LPS), and Lincoln Public Schools- Arnold &West Lincoln elementary. In addition to these already established community partners, the WeCook team pursued partnerships with Lancaster County Extension & 4-H youth development, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), and Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln (PHL). Through partnership with LPS and the CLCs, the first year of programming was implemented at Arnold & West Lincoln elementary schools (both Title I schools). The target audience was 4th and 5th grade youth, with 11 males and 33 females being reached (44 total participants spanning the fall and spring semesters). The demographics of program participants wereas follows: Hispanic or Latino: 9 (19%) American Indian or Alaska Native: 6 (16%) Black or African American: 9 (23%) White: 34 (61%) The diversity of this audience is significant when compared to the overall demographics of Lincoln, NE, which are as follows: 4% Hispanic, 2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3% Black or African American, and 89% White. While these youth were the primary audience, their families were also reached via educational handouts and three in-person family nights per site per semester. Attendance at each family night randged from 35-50 youth and adults per session.Total family night participants was over125 unique family membes (youth, parents/caregivers, and sibilings)for the first year. In addition to the after school setting, WeCook was able to expand programming to Lincoln Parks and Recreation summer camp. The full 12-week program was delivered at the Air Park location, which serves the same community as Arnold elementary school. The target audience was 4th through 6th grade youth, with approximately 7 males and 5 females being reached for a significant portion of the program (other youth were reached but attended minimal sessions). The demographics of these 12 participants were as follows: Hispanic or Latino: 0 Black or African American: 2 White: 10 An abbreviated version of the WeCook program was also delivered to Arnold elementary school summer camp participants. The target audience was 4th through 6th grade youth, with 6 males and 9 females being reached.The demographics of program participants wereas follows: Hispanic or Latino: 1 Black or African American: 2 White: 11 By aligning with NDE and PHL, the WeCook team plans to expand after school programming to three additional Title I elementary schools during the 2016-2017 school year. This will be accomplished through a one-year expanded learning opportunity (ELO) grant awarded by the Nebraska Legislature. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The state project coordinator attended the National Health Outreach Conference in April of 2016 andNebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual conference in April. The PI, state project coordinator, and graduate assistant working with evaulation attended theSociety forNutrition Education Behavior Annual Conference in July. In January the PI, state project coordinator, and Arnold cite coordinator attended a postive youth development provided for Nebraska 4-H Youth Development faculty and staff. An hour-long training session was conducted with Lincoln Parks and Recreation to teach their summer staff how to deliver the WeCook program at 7 different sites throughout the city. This training session was held May 16, 2016 with approximately 30 people in attendence. During this training, 4-H positive youth development strategies were discussed and practiced. Attendees were also taught strategies for implementing age-appropriate cooking lessons. Members of the WeCook team, along with two community partners, were able to attend the annual CYFAR workshop in Washington DC May 19-20, 2016. The state project coordinator and the PI have also participated in CYFAR webinars throughout the reporting period. Lastly, the PI and state project coordinator have provided orientations and on-the-job training to new employees and student volunteers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Three local publications wrote articles highlighting WeCook for the public. These included: UNL IANR e-newsletter (http://ianrnews.unl.edu/wecook-after-school-program-engaging-local-underserved-youth), UNL Today (http://news.unl.edu/free-tags/wecook-program/), and Lincoln Journal Star (http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/what-s-cooking-kids-and-parents-discover-healthy-eating-and/article_e34681d8-4e83-52aa-87a2-65f3df1e85a9.html). Two separate TV interviews were done by WeCook team members for the local morning news program called Pure Nebraska (KOLN; 10/11). The segments provided an overview of WeCook and what the program aims to accomplish. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?After school programming will continue at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools as described above, with an estimated 60 youthand their families reached during the 2016-2017 school year. In addition to this, the WeCook team plans to partner with NDE and PHL to expand programming to three addtional Title I schools during the 2016-2017 school year. This expansion is made possible through a one-year expanded learning opportunites grant awarded by the Nebraska Legislature.Programming will be carried out in the same way as it is at Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools. This partnership would enable WeCook to reach an additional 90 youth and their families.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
After school programs provide key opportunities to reduce childhood overweight and obesity rates by encouraging healthy habits. Mounting evidence links poor eating habits to lack of cooking at home and insufficient knowledge, a trend that is amplified among low-income families often lacking the time and budget to commit to proper nutrition. WeCookaddressedthese issues through a 12-week program targeting underserved 4th and 5th graders. Participants attended two 60-minute sessions per week dedicated to teaching food preparation skills, the importance of nutrition using USDA guidelines, and increasing physical activity through interactive games. Families participated in three family meal nights throughout the program, where youthshowcased the skills theylearned.Pre- and post-surveys wereadministered to youthand theirparents/caregivers. Youth also completed the following pre- and post-programs: (1) used food models to build a healthy plate, with an evaluator photographing each plate, and (2) woreFitbits for one week to track physical activity. Statistical analysis wasthen conducted to assess changes related to program goals. Participants consisted of 4th and 5th grade youth (8-12 years) from two Title I schools in Lincoln, NE and their parents or primary caregivers (of 8- to 12-year-olds), for whom there wereno age requirements. This 12-week program was piloted at Arnold elementary school during the fall semester and held at both Arnold and West Lincoln elementary schools during the spring semester. Cohortsconsistedof approximately 15 youthat each school (total reach of 44youthand their families during the first two semesters). Programming focusedon teaching meal preparation skills, nutrition and engagement in fun physical activities using a unique combination of current research- and evidence-based curricula. This integrative program model was drawnfrom existing frameworks, including: research-based Extension curricula focusing on helping youth and families improve healthy eating and physical activity participation; SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids), an evidence-based program dedicated to promoting physical activity and lifelong wellness among elementary and middle school youth; and Fast Foods, a peer-reviewed, lifelong learning curriculum designed to help youth develop food preparation skills. Short-term goals included: (1) increasing knowledge of healthy food choices, (2) improving healthy food selection skills, and (3) increasing knowledge of physical activity benefits. Long-term goals included: (1) youth whoengagein healthy eating and physical activity behaviors, and (2) families that providean environment withaccess to safe, nutritious meals and regular physical activity. Preliminary results from the spring semester show positive gains in the following areas: Youth significantly improved their healthy plate scores. Youth reported an increase in how many days a week they were physically active for 60 minutes. Fitbit data showed that youth significantly increased the average amount of steps taken daily and average amount of steps taken on school days, but not on weekends. According to responses from the parent survey, parents had a statisticallysignificant positive increase in taking into account thier child's prefernces when making plans for their family.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Franzen-Castle, L., Dunker, T., Chai, W., Krehbiel, M. (2016). Fitbit and Fitabase Technology: Tracking and Evaluating Youth Physical Activity. Journal of Extension; Tools of the Trade.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Krehbiel, M., Dunker, T., Chai, W., Walther, A., Franzen-Castle, L., Jones, G., Wieczorek, M. (2016). WeCook: Fun with Food and Fitness.
This poster was presented at the National Health Outreach Conference in Roanoke, VA. It was also presented at the Nebraska Association of Nutrition and Dietetics annual conference in Lincoln, NE.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Walther, A., Dunker, T., Krehbiel, M., Franzen-Castle, L., Chai, W. (2016). WeCook After School Program: Engaging Youth in Innovative Food and Fitness Lessons to Improve Knowledge and Skills Among 4th and 5th Graders.
This poster will be presented at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior conference in San Diego, CA.
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Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The WeCookteam continued to grow in partnership with the following local organizations: Lincoln Community Learning Centers, Lincoln Public Schools Nutrition Services Department,Arnold Elementary School, West Lincoln Elementary School, andExtended Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Representatives from these partnerships have contributed to program planning. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The WeCookteam was able to attend the annual CYFAR workshop in Washington DC June 4-5, 2015. Those who attendedthe workshop included the principal investigator, state project coordinator, evaluator, technology specialist, content specialist, and two community partners. The state project coordinator and the PI have also participated in CYFAR webinars. Lastly, the PI has provided on-the-job training for the state project coordinator. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Programming is scheduled to begin in September of 2015.The state project coordinatorand site coordinators will utilize thefour existing evidence-based/peer-reviewed frameworks described aboveto deliver effective programming to youth and their families.4th and 5th grade youth at two Lincoln elemenary school sites will participate in the 12-week program consisting of one day each week dedicated to promoting nutrition and physical activity and one day each week dedicated to building food preparation skills. During that time, families of the youth will be invited to join one time per month to further promotefood preparation, nutrition, and family meal time. Each cohort will consist of 15 youth and 15 family units in each of the two sites, resulting in a total of seven cohorts per site participating semi-annually by the end of the funding period. Lincoln Community Learning Center Partners located at each of the two elementary schools will assist with participant recruitment prior to each programming period. The first and last weeks of the 12-week program will include pre- and post-evaluations to assess the continued effectiveness of the program and its major goals. The WeCook team and community partners will continue to meet on a regular basis to monitor, plan, implement, and evaluate the program. New staff will be trained on use of the curriculum, effective teaching methods, and creating positive relationships with community partners, youth and their families. The WeCook team will continue to participate in national CYFAR webinars and attend the annual workshop in Washington, DC.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The University of Nebraksa-Lincoln WeCookstate project coordinator was hired May 1, 2015.Two part-time site coordinator positions have been posted, with the goal of having these positions filled by September 1, 2015. These people will also have direct influence on accomplishing the major goals of the project listed above. Specifically, they will be responsible for creating a positive learning environment conducive to knowledgeand skill-building in the areas of food preparation, nutrition and physical activity and creating positive relationships with youth and their families. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln CYFAR grant project (WeCook) is designed to strengthen high-risk youth and families through a multi-faceted approach and intensive programming focused on building knowledge and skills related to family meal preparation, nutrition and physical activity. The long-term goals include the following: (1) youth will engage in healthy eating and physical activity behaviors, and (2) families will create an environment that provides safe, nutritious, and balanced meals and promotes regular physical activity.The WeCookteam has finalized an innovative curriculum model that integrates four existing evidence-based/peer-reviewed frameworks. (1) Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active!®is made up of 10 structured lessons aimed at increasing awareness of, and critical thinking about, media and how it influences decisions and actions surrounding health. With daily exposure to media on the riseand time spent preparing family meals and being physically active declining, the content of this curriculum is very timely. (2 & 3) Fast Foods and Kids a Cookin' will be used in conjuction to help youth develop necessary food preparation skills and promote the conceptthat health starts in the kitchen. (4) SPARK, which has helped youth increase physical activity and physical fitness, will also be used as a supplement to further promote fun ways to be active as a group/family. Input gathered from our community partners has been used to finalize the program format as follows:4th and 5th grade youth at two Lincoln elemenary school sites will participate in the 12-week program consisting of one day each week dedicated to promoting nutrition and physical activity and one day each week dedicated to building food preparation skills. During that time, families of the youth will be invited to join one time per month to further promotefood preparation, nutrition, and family meal time. Each cohort will consist of 15 youth and 15 family units in each of the two sites, resulting in a total of seven cohorts per site participating semi-annually by the end of the funding period. In coordination with Lincoln Community Learning Centers and the two elementary school sites, appropriate supplies, facilities and program timelines have been arranged and finalized to maximizebenefit to the youth participants. Programming is scheduled to begin in September of 2015. For program the program evaluation piece, an application to the university's institutional review board was submitted and approved.
Publications
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