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Preschoolers Learn to "Eat The Rainbow"
| Name | Deon S. Legette | | Situation | Research shows that one in five children are either overweight or obese, and this number continues to rise. The primary cause of this trend is unhealthy food choices and little or no physical activity. Statistics also show that most preschoolers do not get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets. | | Response | In response to these issues, a partnership between Kershaw County Clemson Extension and Kershaw County First Steps was created to deliver the Color Me Healthy curriculum to 5 childcare centers. The lessons address the issues by providing teachers with fun, innovative, ineractive opportunities that encourage physical activity and healthy eating. All childcare directors and 4 and 5 year old teachers were trained to teach the 14 Color Me Healthy lessons. In addition, Deon Legette, County
Extension Agent, delivered 8 monthly demonstration lessons, stressing the importance of eating fruits and vegetables daily. With each demonstration lesson, the preschoolers identified food models of various fruits and vegetables, listened to a short story, and sampled recipes of fruits and/or vegetables. The recipes and stories emphasized the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables or "eating the rainbow". Some of the demonstration lessons included fruit salad, fruit/cheese kabobs, salad in a bag, veggie variety, fruit smoothies, new fruits and new vegetables. Monthly Color Me Healthy newsletters were sent to parents. A "Nutrition Note" was also sent to parents with the recipe and story of the day. Several Color Me Healthy Open Houses were held at
the childcare centers for parents and the public to learn more about the program and gain additional nutritional knowledge. | | Impact | A pre-test was conducted with parents of the preschoolers. The results showed that only 30% of preschoolers and their families were consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. After 9 months, post test results indicate at least 90% of preschoolers are eating a variety or "rainbow" of fruits and vegetables. Also 85% of parents indicated that they have a better understanding of the importance of eating a healthy diet, eating a
variety of fruits and vegetables, and the importance of daily physical activity. |
Last update8/27/2008
This website is maintained by Betsy Farmer.
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