The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

4266.0: Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 4:42 PM

Abstract #71577

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Approach to Improving Inner-City Adolescent Dietary Behavior

Lynn Fredericks1, Mercedes Sanchez, RD2, and Jamillah Hoy Rosas, RD2. (1) FamilyCook Productions, 330 East 43rd Street, Ste.704, New York, NY 10017, 212/867-3929, Lynn@FamilyCookProductions.com, (2) Pediatrics, New York Methodist Hospital, 516 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

CCAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) desired to develop a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary inner city Middle School curriculum that would: 1) identify students interested in pursuing a culinary career; and 2) afford students with food/nutrition awareness and culinary skills to improve their dietary behaviors. CCAP hired FamilyCook Productions to develop the curriculum. The 15-week program covers culinary, career, nutrition, social/developmental and academic disciplines. It requires students to use critical thinking and evaluate their dietary decisions based upon their newly acquired knowledge. The students (60 total in 4 after school settings in 3 boroughs of New York City) were administered pre- and post- program Food Frequency Questionnaires to assess improvement. Preliminary findings indicate that such interventions which empower adolescents on both a skills and thinking level, result in very positive outcomes in new dietary behaviors. The findings also indicate that raising students� awareness of the greater �food system� and encouraging their informed choices supports a more healthful and sustainable food supply. Empowering students with their �power� of choice encourages them to utilize their community voice to request change in their community resources (access to healthful food). The curriculum's multi-cultural approach to food and cooking also results in more students being more open-minded about other cultures and new and healthy foods.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Nutrition, Adolescent Health

Related Web page: www.FamilyCookProductions.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Spotlight on Child Nutrition

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA