By Ashley Fenning
Extension Assistant 4-H
For six weeks in the months of September and October Nebraska Extension in Box Butte County partnered with the Alliance Recreation Center Afterschool to teach youth about Healthy Habits.
Youth received at least six hours of education via after school.
Lessons taught to these youth were approved research-based curricula designed to improve dietary choices, increase physical activity, and improve their attitude toward and understanding of healthy foods. Throughout the program, youth enjoyed trying new recipes, found they liked most of the snacks, and were actively engaged in physical activities.
The 4-H Healthy Habits program would not be possible without the help of a grant from the Walmart Foundation. They supplied funds to purchase the groceries and cooking supplies that the youth used. This Walmart Foundation grant also allowed the 4-H Instructor the ability to purchase groceries to send home with the youth.
Youth received whole grain spaghetti noodles and pasta sauce along with a recipe to take home. The goal of sending the groceries home was to encourage families to cook and eat healthier meals together.