Development of No Más Hambre (No More Hunger), an innovative promoter‐driven nutrition education and skill‐building curriculum to reduce the risk of hunger in Mexican‐origin older adults in Texas border colonias (273.3)

Abstract

Mexican‐origin older adults who live along the Texas‐Mexico border experience high rates of poverty, food insecurity and hunger, and health disparities. Among this hard‐to‐reach population, promotoras de salud (community health workers) serve as a cultural bridge, provide outreach, and are recognized as respected health advocates and peer health educators. The purpose of this study was to design, develop, and pilot test curricula and instructional materials that provide promotoras with knowledge and skill‐building training to target seniors at risk for hunger through tailored and culturally appropriate education and skill building on food acquisition and preparation using community food resources. 95 Mexican‐origin seniors from four Texas border areas and 25 promotoras participated in focus groups to determine educational and skill needs. Emergent themes included desire for home‐based nutrition education and guidance regarding food acquisition and food preparation, given limited resources. No Más Hambre (No More Hunger) consists of seven modules of instruction that engage and empower promotoras to deliver evidence‐based education and skills. This Spanish‐language curriculum was developed and delivered by employing Adult Learning Theory and applying strategies and techniques such as interactive instructional modules and case‐based discussions to guide resource‐dependent education. The curriculum includes strategies to overcome barriers to food insecurity and encourages seniors to engage in collaborative networks to locate resources within the community. Pre‐ and post‐tests comparisons were assessed for each module. This project constitutes a major new effort to enhance nutrition knowledge and skills among Mexican‐origin older adults and to effectively apply the science of human nutrition to meet the needs of this vulnerable and food insecure population.Grant Funding Source: Supported by AARP Foundation and CDC's PRC Healthy Aging Research Network