Partnering to Provide Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Promotion in Southeast Michigan Summer Meal Sites

Abstract

Identify the challenges and successes of a pilot program providing weekly nutrition education and physical activity demonstrations to low-income children accessing summer meals. Low-income children accessing 5 different summer feeding sites in Detroit Michigan. Providing environmental support through a partnership with summer meal providers allows for students and families to be exposed to nutrition and physical activity messages that can reinforce the messages from the school year and provide new education to encourage healthy behaviors all year round. A 4-week nutrition education and physical activity promotion campaign was initiated in partnership with summer feeding site organizers at 5 locations. One day each week children were provided with nutrition education sessions composed of a brief presentation, a literacy exercise, and an activity. On another day that same week children were provided with a demonstration of a low-cost/ no cost way to get active and provided with a reinforcement item to keep. Program educators provided written reports on the experience at each site identifying challenges and barriers. Additionally, site staff assisting with the program completed an online survey to provide feedback and lessons learned. Providing opportunities for nutrition education and physical activity in conjunction with summer food service was well received by program sites. Children accessing the site for meals enjoyed the activities and reported use of the reinforcing items in their homes. A phase 2 pilot and expansion will be implemented to further assess the effectiveness of the intervention on behavior change.