Collaboration between University and Schools Provides Nutrition Education for School Based Personnel

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: Viewers of this poster will comprehend a model for successful collaboration resulting in nutrition education of school based personnel. School textbooks in this state do not yet incorporate the Food Guide Pyramid, current Dietary Guidelines or information on the Nutrition Facts label. Therefore, a need existed to provide curriculum to meet this gap in knowledge as well as to train teachers in the most up-to-date nutrition information. In keeping with the spirit of USDA's Team Nutrition, a grant was awarded to this state's Cooperative Extension Service by the state Department of Education through its NET program; the grant allowed for inservice training of school-based personnel in grades K-12. Interested school based personnel submitted applications to the NET Coordinator who after screening them, sent to the EFNEP Coordinator. This training included topics mentioned above as well as training in the “Exploring the Food Pyramid with Professor Popcorn and Hooked on Health” interactive curriculum which utilizes these topics. Teams of Extension Educators provided the training to their local school personnel. The NET grant provided initial funding for up to 125 school personnel to receive inservice training which included the curriculum used, displays, food models, and demonstration foods. Over 137 elementary and secondary teachers, food service directors, and school nurses participated over a 11 month period. Evaluations were completed by inservice participants and by the educators providing the inservices. These evaluations indicate that learning had taken place, updating the nutrition knowledge of the school personnel. Initial followups indicate that the materials are being utilized effectively by the majority of participants. This project aptly demonstrated the Extension Service acting as a resource for local school personnel.