A Ward Socialization Index

Abstract

Our bean stalk is scarcely two years old but we proved it could bloom and bear. With such a large plant spread all over the county, one does not always see the blooms immediately, but they are beginning to show in many ways. We plan another study with the same group of children, probably a year or so from now when we have more statistics. Our informal surveys continue to be encouraging. Teachers use the parents' letters for class discussion before sending them home. Parents look forward to them and ask for them if they are missing. Many parents congratulated us on the Parent Habit letter. Parents' letters and food charts have interested the whole family. Many parents report the children check their diet against a basic 7 chart, and even keep tabs on the whole family. Our second check on the milk program found all but a few schools involved. The school milk program continued to grow-not only in number of schools, but in actual student participation. School bulletin boards and projects indicate that pupils take an active part. 4-H Club members, according to the club agent, are thinking about better food habits; this is shown in their speeches, demonstrations, and garden and food projects. Teachers report box lunches to be more nutritious and better packed. Interest in schools is evident in art work and in projects using food habits as the subject. The county homemakers sent a letter of appreciation for the program and asked for a continuation of the parents' letters. Through the schools this letter reaches about 1800 homes every month. Parents are reporting interest in, and improvement in their own food habits and when we have interested men in food beyond cost and taste appeal we have accomplished something. By now we feel that our bean stalk is a magic thing. It is still growing and we cannot see the top. There's no telling how far we can climb in this campaign for good food habits for everyone. It is an interesting and exciting project and we are proving it can involve everyone!