The aim of University of Massachusetts Extension Nutrition Education program is to eliminate health disparities within the Commonwealth. To this end, the Family Nutrition Program formed a partnership with Boston Public Schools four years ago. In a joint effort, they have incorporated the USDA TEAM Nutrition program to bring nutrition education to inner-city students. Extension nutrition educators go to schools throughout the Boston area, teaching a series of 4 nutrition based classes. Classes involve hands-on curricula in which students learn about the importance of the Food Guide Pyramid, the significance of breakfast, that 5 fruits and vegetables a day are necessary for overall good health, and how to chose healthy snacks. The endeavor of nutrition educators is to teach students the importance of making healthy food choices by giving them the ability to do so. This is accomplished by the TEAM Nutrition curriculum and reiterated in a number of ways. For example, in one classroom children put together bulletin boards showing what their class had learned from the program. In addition to this, educators are often invited to community and school health fairs. Inner-city students in Boston are receiving the opportunity to improve their health and well-being. This is an educational opportunity they wouldn't otherwise receive. During the 1999-2000 school year, 5 nutrition educators taught 780 classes, reaching 4875 students. Community and school enthusiasm toward the program is increasing and UMass is currently expanding in order to include more nutrition educators, develop additional curriculum, and upgrade current evaluation methods.
Learning Objectives: After the poster presentation, participants will be able to: 1> Describe the role of the university in eliminating health disparities among students in urban areas. 2> Use the UMass and Boston public school partnership as a protocol to create similar partnerships with other university extension programs. 3> Increase awareness of the UMass Extension Family Nutrition Program within the Greater Boston community.
Keywords: Child Health, Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Massachusetts and USDA TEAM Nutrition program
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.