First Nations School Nutrition Program

1
First Nations School Nutrition Program
April 30th 2009
2
Presentation Outline

• Obesity and diabetes among children

2. Causes of obesity among children
3. Childrens eating habits in the communities
4. Why teach nutrition education in schools ?
3
Presentation Outline
5. Project background 6. Project
description Goals and objectives Nutrition
workshop contents Who will facilitate the
nutrition workshops? 7. Implementation 8.
Conclusion
4
1. Obesity epidemic among children

• Obesity rates among children have tripled over
  the last 20 years.

• 40.1 of First Nations children are obese vs. 8
  of all Canadian children.

5
1. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes

• Diabetes rates among First Nations are 3 to 5
  times higher than the national average.

• First Nations people tend to develop diabetes at
  an earlier age than the Canadian population in
  general.

• First Nations people tend to develop diabetes at
  an earlier and earlier age.

6
2. Causes of obesity among children

• LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Video games, computers, TV, etc.

7
2. Causes of obesity among children

• EATING HABITS

• 200 increase in fast food (high fat) consumption

• Bigger portions

• Increased sugar intake (food and beverages)

• Not enough fresh fruit vegetables

• Skipping breakfast

8
3. Childrens eating habits in the communities
(FNQLHSSC, 2006)

• 61.8 of 12- to 17-year-olds eat junk food (soft
  drinks, French fries, etc.) once a day.

• 50.2 of 6- to 11-year-olds drink soft drinks
  several times a week.

• 54.2 of 6- to 11-year-olds eat junk food several
  times a week.

9
3. Childrens eating habits in the communities
(FNQLHSSC, 2006)

• 57.9 of 6- to 11-year-olds eat cake, cookies and
  candy several times a week.

• 66.4 of 6- to 11-year-olds eat French fries and
  potato chips several times a week.

• Only half of children eat traditional food on
  occasion.

10
4. Why teach nutrition education in schools?
? Nutrition education programs can significantly
change childrens eating habits.
? Early intervention is necessary because eating
habits are learned early in life.
11
4. Why teach nutrition in schools?
? Primary school children are more influenced by
their teachers and educators than by their
parents.
? Peer pressure is an important factor.
? Provides an opportunity to reach many children
at the same time.
12
Eating habits affect academic performance
? Skipping breakfast causes

• Impaired concentration, restlessness and fatigue.

? Healthy eating

• Better performance in English, math, etc.

• Children are more focused and less easily
  distracted.

13
5. Project Background

• 2005
• Community consultation process (FNQLHSSC and
  FNIHB)
• Diabetes prevention in the schools priority
  established by the Health Directors

14
5. Project Background (contd)

• 2007
• Verifications among the nutritionists and
  Education Directors (FNEC)

• Development of the nutrition workshops

• Revision of the workshops by the FNECs
  Educational Counsellor

15
5. Project Background (contd)
2007 2008 School Year

• Testing of the project workshops in a few pilot
  communities and evaluation of the workshops by
  the nutritionists in these communities

2008-2009

• Revision of the workshops in accordance with the
  evaluations that were carried out in the pilot
  communities

16
6. Project Description

• 4 nutrition workshops for each class, from
  kindergarten to grade 6.

• Different workshops of different levels so they
  can be offered each year.

17
6. Project Description (contd)

• Each workshops lasts one school period
  (approximately 60 min.).
• Different formulas can be adapted as needed
• The 4th workshop with the parents (2 hours or
  more)

• Workshops are designed to be facilitated during
  class hours

18
Goals of a school-based nutrition education
project

• Goals

• Promote healthy eating habits among children to
  reduce obesity and diabetes

• Promote enhanced academic performance

19
Goals

• Raise awareness of the benefits of healthy eating
  among children and their parents.

• Teach children and parents how to make healthier
  food choices.

• Teach children and parents how to prepare
  nutritious food.

20
Goals

• Encourage children and parents to adopt healthy
  eating habits by teaching them how to appreciate
  healthy food.

• Teaching children how to identify internal
  signals of hunger and fullness.

• Reaching specific learning objectives for each
  grade level.

21
Workshop Topics

• Fruit and vegetables

• Whole-grain cereal products

• Breakfast

• Eating a balanced meal

• Junk food vs. healthy food

22
Workshop Description

• Explaining health food choices while promoting
  traditional food in addition to other food that
  is available in the community.

• Information, games, food preparation and tasting.

23
Workshop Description

• Ways to reach parents

• Tips and recipes for parents

• Food taken home by children

• Inviting parents to workshop 4

24
Who will facilitate the workshops?

• The nutritionist or the dietetic technician

• The teacher must be present for the workshop in
  order to be able to provide encouragement
  afterwards
• A follow-up chart is included for each workshop

25
7. Implementation
2008-2009
?Implementation of the project in the interested
communities
?Support for the implementation of the project in
the communities
26
Conclusion...
Each one of us have an important role to play in
order to promote the health of children as well
as their academic success.