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Title: Development and Implementation of a Summer Youth Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Intervention in a Rural Mississippi Delta Community

Author
item STRICKLAND, EARLINE - DELTA NIRI
item McCabe Sellers, Beverly
item WARREN, DEMETRIC - DELTA NIRI
item LUCAS, GWENDOLYN - ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
item THREADGILL, PAULA - MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
item Bogle, Margaret

Submitted to: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2007
Publication Date: 6/23/2007
Citation: Strickland, E., McCabe Sellers, B.J., Warren, D., Lucas, G., Threadgill, P., Bogle, M.L. 2007. Development and implementation of a summer youth nutrition education and physical activity intervention in a rural Mississippi Delta community [abstract]. International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Oslo, Norway. p. 249.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Our purpose was to implement a sustainable community-based sport intervention that encourages physical activity and healthy eating, with potential for preventing obesity among children ages 5-12 years. Presented is descriptive information of the development of a summer nutrition and physical activity program for youth enrolled in Sanders Elementary School. The program explored the acceptance of a non-traditional and unfamiliar sport by rural African American children and their willingness to engage in nutrition related activities and try new foods. Children were recruited from K-6 grades at their rural school with parental consent. Local adults and college students were trained as soccer coaches. Six soccer teams were organized, and a series of nutrition and cooking activities were begun. A questionnaire was used to assess the children's willingness to try new foods, followed by offering these. Ninety students and parents were willing to participate in this unfamiliar sport, during the time when American television first broadcast the World Cup in prime time. Attendance at the nutrition lessons averaged only about 30-40 students due to lack of transportation to the education site. This community-based program served as a model for developing nutrition and physical activity interventions in rural communities; encouraged participation of children, parents, and other community residents; increased physical activity and healthy eating among rural African American children. The community became engaged in this non-traditional but effective program that promises to be a sustainable tool in prevention of obesity among these high-risk rural youth.