Food and Fun Curriculum for Latina Mothers and Children

Abstract

Latina women and children suffer from increased rates of obesity, poor nutrition, and decreased physical activity. In order to address these concerns, the Food and Fun curriculum developed by the Harvard School of Public Health was adapted to educate Latina mothers and children about nutrition and physical activity.A pre and post test study design was utilized. The program consisted of an eight week educational and exercise intervention. Before and after the intervention, an assessment of BMI, waist circumference, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity level were taken from mothers and children.Pre‐intervention data were collected on 15 women; 7 women completed the study. According to paired samples t‐test, there was a significant increase in fruit and vegetable consumption in mothers (t(6) = ‐3.0, p < .02). Though not statistically significant, amount of time engaged in physical activity increased from Time 1 (M = 592.9) to Time 2 (M = 910.0). Analysis of children's data is ongoing.The study provided preliminary data on the effectiveness of the adapted Food and Fun curriculum for low income Latina mothers and children in Concord, NC. Given the growing Latino population and increasing obesity rate, it is important to test culturally appropriate nutrition and physical activity interventions that have the potential to improve the health of countless vulnerable individuals.