Success StoryMastering Food Choices – Agent In-Service



Mastering Food Choices – Agent In-Service

Author: Heather Norman-Burgdolf

Planning Unit: Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Major Program: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices (general)

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Consumers are inundated with food decisions daily and it isn't always clear what the healthier food choice is whether you are purchasing at the grocery store, preparing your favorite family recipe at home, or dining out. It is also important to recognize that food choices are largely driven by our environment which is unique for each person and community. It is also established that consumers who spend more time on food-related decisions are more likely to have better health outcomes. In response to this, Family Consumer Science Extension developed and provided an agent in-service training focusing on ways to make healthful food decisions in a variety of settings. This program takes into consideration the local food environment and respects food-based traditions within families and cultures. Emphasis was placed on modifying recipes to increase healthfulness, recognizing portion size, and learning how to make healthy choices at home and when dining out. Fifty-four people participated in the in-service training. Following the training, participants were surveyed. As a result of the training, 100% of agents gained knowledge related to the impact of food environments on making healthy food choices and 96% reported they were likely to apply the knowledge to their programming and marketing efforts. Ultimately, 94% reported they will incorporate this program into their county programming efforts. One hundred percent of participants found the teaching methods organized, 96% reported the content was relevant to their county needs, and 100% found the content of the training credible and up-to-date.