Sustaining and Enhancing Nutrition Education Programs in a Climate of Shrinking Resources

Laurel Jacobs, MPHUA Nutrition Network

July 19, 2012

We know that nutrition and physical activity programs in schools make a difference…

Research Outcomes in Schools

Nutrition

• School breakfast programs decrease absentee rates and tardiness (1)

• Decreased diet quality decreases performance on standardized literacy assessments (2)

• Healthy breakfast improves performance on cognitive measures (3)

Sources: 1. Taras, H. (2005). Nutrition and student performance at school. Journal of School Health.2. Florence, M. D., et al (2008). Diet Quality and Academic Performance. Journal of school Health.3. Ingwersen, J., et al (2007). A Low Glycemic Index Breakfast Cereal Preferentially Prevents Children’s Cognitive Performance from Declining throughout the Morning. Appetite.

Research Outcomes in SchoolsPhysical Activity

• Higher activity levels result in higher academic scores (4)

• Classroom-based physical activity improves on-task behavior (5)

• Concentration levels and rate of learning are improved after physical activity (6)

Sources: 4. Coe et al. (2006). Effect of physical education and activity levels on academic achievement in children. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise.5. Mahar et al (2006). Effects of a classroom-based program on physical activity and on-task behavior. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise. 6. Taras, H. (2005). Physical activity and student performance at school. Journal of School Health.

SNAP Ed Behavioral Outcomes

Promotion of healthy food choices Make half your plate fruits and veggies Half your grains, whole grains Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk products

Increase physical activity

Maintain appropriate calorie balance through each stage of life

Yet, funding is being reduced…

…so how can nutrition education activities be sustained at your schools?

UANN Sustainability Support Nutrition education resources and trainings Promotions Educational reinforcement items Planners Special project funding opportunities Sustainability workshops at your school

Support through community grants Leverage resources from other community

partners

Selected School-based Grants

Fuel Up To Play 60

Award: Up to $4,000 Eligibility: K-12

Application Deadline: October 1, 2012 & January 15, 2013

Details: The competitive, nationwide funding program can help your school jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements.

More information: http://www.fueluptoplay60.com/

ING Unsung Heroes Award

Award: Up to $2,000 for 100 entries, additional funding up to $25,000 for top 3 entries

Eligibility: K-12

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2013

Details: Grants for K-12 educators utilizing new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Applicants describe projects they have initiated or would like to pursue, judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students.

More information: http://ing.us/about-ing/citizenship/childrens-education/ing-unsung-heroes

Target Field Trips

Award: Up to $700 Eligibility: K-12

Application Deadline: rolling

Details: Target funds programs that allow students and teachers to learn in all kinds of settings. They fund field trips that connect students' classroom curriculum to out of school experiences.

More information: https://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031767 (or google “Target field trip grant”)

WalMart/Sam’s Club Giving Program

Award: Minimum $250 Eligibility: K-12

Application Deadline: December 1st, 2012

Details: The Walmart Foundation’s various grant programs support initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in Education and Health & Wellness, to create opportunities so people can live better.

More information: http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8916.aspx

Captain Planet Foundation (Gardens)

Award: Up to $500 Eligibility: K-12

Application Deadline: Sept. 30th, 2012 and Feb. 28th, 2013

Details: Promotes and supports high-quality education programs that enable children and youth to understand and appreciate the world through engaging learning experiences.

More information: http://captainplanetfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/

UANN Role Maintain listing of current funding

opportunities Facilitate sustainability workshops

Discuss current funding opportunities Set goals Develop action plan

Provide technical assistance

Leveraging resources from other community partners CPPW advisory committees and wellness

coordinators School parent groups Master Gardeners Tucson Village Farm www.uaforyou.arizona.edu/teachers/find

portal for UA teaching activities, resources

Next Steps Schedule a sustainability workshop Discuss grant opportunities with your

administrators and district Capitalize on resources from community

partners

Thank you!If you have any questions please contact your UANN

Program Coordinator.