San José Library Pilots Nutrition Workshops Aimed at Reversing the Increase in Childhood Obesity
Innovative Collaboration Between San José Public Library and San Jose State University’s Nutrition and Food Science Department to Teach Healthy Snacking Habits
February 24, 2007 -
The number of unhealthy and overweight children is on the rise in Santa Clara County according to data collected by the Santa Clara County Dept of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The problem could lead to major health problems and a shorter life. The solution is education. San José Public Library and San José State University's Nutrition and Food Science Department have teamed up to develop a program aimed at the solution: "Snack Smart."
The "Snack Smart" pilot program, a five-week workshop series launched today, seeks to educate children and their parents about healthy snack alternatives. The introductory kick-off session that engages the parents in the education of their children is an essential component of the program. Hands-on activities for kids in the next three sessions, led by university students, model healthy snack preparation practices, reinforced through compilation of a cookbook full of healthy recipes for the children to take home. Informational handouts and tip sheets will be sent home as the series progresses to continuously encourage healthy habits at home.
A graduation ceremony, held at the culmination of the series, invites parents back to celebrate their children's accomplishment as well as taste some of the delicious healthy recipes they have learned to prepare. The goal of the program is for the children to use their newly acquired knowledge to make healthy lifelong choices. The "Snack Smart" workshop series runs concurrently with varying schedules at nine San José library locations, providing ample opportunity for participation by up to 20 youth at each session. Participating libraries include Almaden, Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock, Evergreen, Hillview, Santa Teresa, Seventrees, Tully Community and Vineland.
Modules for the "Snack Smart" series were developed by graduate student, Audrey Nickell under the guidance of faculty advisor Dr. Marjorie Freedman, Assistant Professor, SJSU Nutrition and Food Science Department.
"I am thrilled that SJSU students have the opportunity to work in the community providing this program to children and their parents," says Professor Freedman. "Having the library as a partner is key to reaching kids who might otherwise not be able to afford or attend an after school program that can provide them with this valuable-and fun-information."
"The "Snack Smart" pilot exemplifies the kind of collaborative programming we envisioned when the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library was originally conceived," says program coordinator and Youth Services Librarian Andrea Schacter. "There is also the added value of young people observing university students as role models for community involvement."
Start your child today on the path to a healthier lifestyle and enroll him or her in a "Snack Smart" workshop. To locate one at a library near you, visit www.SJLibrary.org or call (408) 808-2183. Each session in this pilot can accommodate a maximum participation of 20 children. Parents can register their children at the branch prior to the first day of the program, or at the first program, which is geared toward parents. Parents will be asked to sign a consent form and list any known food allergies at that time.
"Snack Smart" is co-sponsored by San José Public Library and San José State University's Nutrition and Food Science Department with financial support from a Kaiser Permanente "Community Benefit Grant."
For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library, at (408)
808-2176
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