Afterschool programs can do more than reinforce academic lessons taught in the classroom or introduce new skills kids don’t have time to learn during school hours. According to a new report by America After 3 PM, afterschool programs also can play an important role in combating childhood obesity.

Newburg Library has a monthly 4-H nutrition education after school program.  The library is in walking distance from Newburg middle school, so students are able to walk to the program and use it as a safe place to wait for their parents.  There is approximately 15-20 youth that consistency participates in the nutrition education program.    

This year the lessons focused on exploring new alternatives to old favorites.  Recipes have ranged from utilizing spaghetti squash for noodles and cauliflower rice to make garlic bread.  Expanding nutrition to include alternative flavors is important at the middle school age level because youth are beginning to make their own food choices and have a larger influence on what is bought for their home. It's also important to show that you can add vegetables to your meals without an unreasonable expense.

This year students explored different healthy food alternatives and several have incorporated their newly tried foods in their eating habits.  65% of the participants tried new foods.  40% of the participants want to continue learning about new foods in next years program.  

The Jefferson County 4-H program plans to incorporate more healthy alternative eating programs for middle school students.