The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74060

Steve Baldwin, MS, RD, HSD Nutrition Network, Hawthorne School District (HSD), 4617 West 136th Street, Hawthorne, CA 90250, 310-349-0778, stbaldwin@hawthorne.k12.ca.us

The Hawthorne School District’s ‘3 C’s Approach’, funded by the USDA Food Stamp Program through the California Nutrition Network, has successfully maintained increased consumption of featured produce items in school meals. This K-8 district, located in Los Angeles County, serves predominantly Hispanic or Latino (60%) and African American (29%) children and over 80% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Their ‘3 C’s Approach’ integrates the Classroom, Cafeteria, and Community. The Classroom represents the nutrition education efforts embraced by the teachers. A variety of strategies for reaching teachers are used, supported by the availability of resources, including 5 a Day materials and the district’s ‘Harvest of the Month’ newsletter highlighting seasonal produce.

The Cafeteria is the learning laboratory where students put into practice the lessons learned in the classroom. Food service employees encourage students to try featured produce and promote items through a daily ‘garden bar’ with a variety of fruits and vegetables, on menus and in displays.

The Community represents parent and adult education, media outreach, and community partnerships to support and sustain the district’s efforts. Events are promoted and nutrition information is provided through regular articles in local newspapers and in news segments and PSAs on local television stations. Partnerships with local community stakeholders, including a school-based health clinic, the American Cancer Society, WIC, Food Stamps, and the Moneta Gardens Improvement Community Advocacy Center all help to extend the reach and broaden the impact of the California Nutrition Network.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify at least two benefits for implementing the "3C's approach" in schools.
• Discuss at least three strategies for supporting classroom teachers in the provision of nutrition education.
• Describe at least three strategies for linking the cafeteria with the classroom. 4.. Describe at least three strategies for reaching parents utilizing existing resources.
• Apply at least two concepts found in the "3 C's approach" to his/her own work.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.