Presented By:

Amy Gannon, MS, RD, LDExtension Specialist & SNAP-Ed Coordinator

Joeline SwannNutrition Outreach InstructorMonongalia County Extension Service

What is the WV Family Nutrition Program (FNP)?

The family nutrition program is comprised of: Nutrition, food, and physical activity projects designed to

help limited resource families youth and adults improve their health.

We provide nutrition education to adults and children in a variety of community settings including work force development programs, faith-based organizations, schools, and day camps.

We are funded by SNAP-Education (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Goals and Objectives FNP

FNP encourages the adoption of healthy lifestyle behavior by:

Teaching nutrition education using the USDA’s MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines

Providing hands-on nutrition education lessons and food demonstrations

Cen$tible Nutrition for adult audiences

Show Me Nutrition for school-based youth

Wild & Wonderful Camp Challenge for summer-based youth

Helping participants to stretch their food dollars, plan menus, and read food labels

Encouraging participants to devote more time to being physically active

Collaborating with state and local agencies to form the WV Nutrition Network

Target Audience Family Nutrition Program targets :

Youth at schools, preschools, and summer camps where more than 50% of participants are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program.

Limited Resource adults living at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

Program Delivery FNP programs range from the direct delivery of

nutrition information to social marketing campaigns in over 40 counties by the following individuals: 50 Nutritional Outreach Instructors

50 County Agents

2,000 volunteers

Summer Camping 2013 Program Summary

19 Nutrition Outreach Instructors

22 Counties

1800 children

92 camps delivered

13 Energy Express Camps

1 Independent Camp

20 4-H Camps

47 Partner Camps

11 Preschool Camps

14% 1%

22%

51%

12%

Breakdown of Camp Type

Energy ExpressIndependent4-H PartnerPreschool

FNP Community Camping Partners

Boys and Girls clubs

4-H programs

YMCA programs

Summer school programs

Energy Express programs

Community health center programs

Soccer clubs

Colleges

Libraries

City parks

Day care centers

Preschools

Vacation Bible Schools

FNP Summer Camping Programs

Provide a continuity of nutrition education during the summer months

Research shows many children gain weight during the summer

Provide a safe, fun, and enriching learning environment for preschool aged and 9-12 year old children

Provide an opportunity to partner with community organizations and other USDA programs, such as the Summer Food Service Program, to reach needy children

Provide opportunities for children to be physically active and receive healthy food tastings outside of the school environment

Preschool Nutrition Education and Summer Camping

Why Preschool Nutrition Education? 30.8% of WV preschool children are

either overweight or obese (compared to 24% nationally)

3/4 of US children spend time in organized childcare- an ideal setting for promoting healthy behaviors in young children

12% of WV children live in poverty (compared to 10% nationally)

FNP’s Pre-K Program: About the Lessons

Scripted lessons are used, each beginning with a nutrition-related book

Other components include:

Food tasting experiences

Hands-on nutrition activities which engage the five senses

Examples include: food art, coloring, manipulating new foods and other kinesthetic activities

Lessons on food safety, healthy food choices and the benefits of physical activity

Barb Trogdon, Youth NOI teaching a preschool lesson in Wayne County.

Teacher Response to the Program

“I loved how there was an activity at the end of each story read. I feel that

the kids really enjoyed it.”

“We enjoyed this because it introduced children to different foods that some

may never try. It also provided parents with recipes and nutritional ideas and

facts. The children and staff loved the program and enjoyed the foods that

were involved.”

“It was very beneficial to our children. It helped break up the monotony of the

day and gave them something to look forward to.”

Opportunities for Partnering with FNP

Are there opportunities in your library to partner with the Family Nutrition Program?

Questions?