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About Us
County Impact Statements - Franklin County
Food, Fun and Reading a Success
Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE)
The target audience for the Food Stamp Nutrition Education program in
Franklin County is children ages 5-11. Franklin County has a total population of
17,771; of those, 17% of adults and 23% of children under 18 are living in
households with incomes at or below the poverty level. As of January 2004, 2,391
persons were enrolled in the Food Stamp program. Twelve percent of children ages
2-5 are at risk for being overweight or are already overweight. The program has
helped the children to choose healthier foods, and with their help, the parents
have been made aware of healthier choices.
The Food, Fun, and Reading program was delivered at two local schools to
kindergarten and first-grade students who qualified for the program with 50% or
more free lunch participants. The goals of the program are numerous. The main
goal is to raise awareness in students and parents about healthy foods, the Food
Guide Pyramid, the importance of breakfast, and correct hand-washing procedures.
The two schools that participated in the program are Pleasant View and
Altus-Denning. This covers “two ends” of the county. The program used pre/post
tests to evaluate the results of the program. Verbal evaluations were also used.
Students learn that eating healthy and being physically active
will help you grow healthy and strong.
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Impacts
- Eighty-three students benefited from the Food, Fun, and Reading Program.
- 100% of participants were able to identify the Bread Group, Fruit Group,
Vegetable Group, Milk Group, Meat Group, Healthy Snacks, and which group you
should eat the most servings from.
- Verbal evaluations were used for the hand-washing section, and 100% knew
when and how you should wash your hands.
- The teachers observed that students were trying new foods and discussing
what they had learned about foods during snack and lunch time.
- The parents received a Parent Newsletter with every lesson that the
children participated in.
- The students also practiced their new hand-washing skills.
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