Healthy & Active Lifestyles: Nutrition & Food Access, Physical & Mental HealthPlan of Work

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Clinton County CES

Title:
Healthy & Active Lifestyles: Nutrition & Food Access, Physical & Mental Health
MAP:
Improve Physical and Mental Health
Agents Involved:
Nuetzman, Guffey, & Cecil
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Nutrition and Food Systems General
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Active Living and Health Promotions General
Situation:

According to the 2020 County Health Rankings, 23% of residents in Clinton County smoke, 35% of residents are obese, and 8% of the population under age 65 is uninsured. Unfortunately our community’s overall health ranking has declined to 93rd in the state for health factors which addresses clinical care, health behaviors, as well as social and economic factors. Additionally, an estimated 25.7% of the residents live below the poverty level and the median household income in 2018 was $31,115 (U.S.Census QuickFacts). Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap documents that the estimated food insecurity rate for the county is 16%. With such negative trends of chronic disease, individuals and families need tools and environments to support healthy and active lifestyle choices. 

The data parallels what our residents know about our needs and the status of our community. Community Assessment results indicated the following prioritized issues in the Health and Wellness category: fewer chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.); more sources for buying safe, affordable, fresh local foods; and improved affordability of health care insurance. Extension must continue to take an active role in addressing these issues as well as others related to active living and health behaviors. 

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will enhance knowledge of one or more health, nutrition, or physical activity practices
Indicator: Number of individuals with goals, intentions, and increased knowledge of making healthy diet choices and participation in physical activity. Number of individuals who gained knowledge of resources that are available for substance abuse as a result of Extension programming.

Method: Self-report surveys
Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program 

Intermediate Outcome:     Increased purchase and consumption of locally grown produce. Increased participation in and utilization of nutrition assistance benefits. Adoption of practices related to enhanced healthy eating and physical activity. 

Indicator: Producer sales reports, reports from nutrition assistance programs, changes in 24 hour recalls, physical activity logs, follow-up evaluations with program participants using various evaluation instruments

Methods: Program evaluations, sales reports, secondary data from community partners

Timeline: Completion of program, market seasons, annual data 

Long-term Outcome: Decreased number of obese/overweight youth and adults and reduction in chronic disease. Measurable changes/improvements in built environment. Increased policies regarding nutrition and physical activity. Decreased number of food insecure families. Decreased 30 day use of substances among youth. Social norms are less supportive of drug use and abuse.

Indicator: Number of environmental changes promoting health and physical activity, number of policies regarding physical activity and nutrition, decreased CDC obesity rate data, number of food insecure families 

Methods: Qualitative and quantitative reports, state and national data review, environmental scans, etc.

Learning Opportunities:









Success Stories

Addressing Food Insecurity

Author: Christy Stearns

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

The stress of limited food access has been overwhelming for many families during the coronavirus pandemic. Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap data indicates that Clinton County has a 16.9 % food insecurity rate. Clinton County Extension staff have helped facilitate the monthly commodities food distribution program during the pandemic including the management of volunteers to package food items and the facilitation a drive-thru format for direct receipt of food boxes. From July-September, 5

Full Story

Recipe Club

Author: Christy Stearns

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Research consistently reports that cooking more meals at home is related to increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Furthermore, it is well documented that eating more fruits and vegetables is a critical behavior for health promotion and disease prevention. Despite the importance of eating more produce, it is also one of the most difficult eating behaviors to change. To assist in this endeavor, the Clinton County Extension Office started a community wide Recipe Club in the spring. 45 ind

Full Story

4th Grade Bash

Author: James Cecil

Major Program: Leadership

Clinton County 4-h was asked to assist with the 4th Grade Bash this year.  This is a reward and a tradition that happens every year when fourth graders leave the Elementary School and move to the Middle School in Clinton County.  4-H is usually not apart of this program but due to OCVID-19 there was no 4th Grade Bash last year and they wanted to provide this opportunity for our fourth and fifth graders which missed last years Bash.  4-H was honored to be able to help and enjoyed w

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