W.M. Koszewski

Evaluation of Food Assistance, Nutrition Education Programs, and Physical Activity for Limited Resource Families

Abstract The effectiveness of federally funded nutrition programs, such as Food Stamps, Head Start, and the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), has been and continues to be questioned; however, these programs have demonstrated some positive outcomes. The welfare reform process established in 1996 poses a serious threat to the continuation of the nutrition education portions of the federally funded nutrition programs. In an attempt to show the positive effects and outcomes of nutrition education in conjunction with federally funded nutrition programs, a pilot study was conducted in Lincoln, Nebraska. Primary care givers (PCG) and their 3-10 year old children were recruited from community centers, Head Start, and the Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA). At the end of data collection, 20PCG and 54 children participated in the food recalls and 25PCG and 47 children filled out questionnaires. Of the PCG participants, 17 were limited resource as defined as using some sort of assistance for food or housing. Information in the questionnaires involved types of programs being used, nutrition knowledge, food security, physical activity, resource management skills, and demographic data. The programs the PCG most frequently reported using were WIC, Free or Reduced School Breakfast and/or Lunch, Food Stamps, and Head Start. Adequacy of the diet was assessed using the food recalls. Of the PCG, only 2 participants were male and only 2 of the female participants were under the age of 25. The PCG were low in calories (mean of 1922.12), dietary fiber (mean of 15.66gm), iron (mean of 13.52mg), and zinc (mean of 8.04mg). The children were low in dietary fiber (mean of 15.97gm) and zinc (mean of 8.20mg). In conclusion, federally funded nutrition programs in Nebraska are making a positive impact in the lives of its participants.