Tribal Initiatives

 

Project Description

Nutrition education is provided to Native American adults and youth in programs planned and delivered by MNN partners working in tribal communities.   Nutrition education for adults is delivered mainly through Healthy Eating Clubs, which use concepts of social support to encourage and support members to make changes in nutrition and physical activity behaviors and incorporate these changes permanently into their lives. The focus for participation is on mothers with children living in the home, increasing the impact as women share their knowledge, skills and behavior changes with family members and extended families.  Older women from the close-knit tribal communities also participate in the classes.  The wisdom of elders is highly respected in the tribal communities.  Club education sessions last from 1½ to 2 hours with approximately 8 sessions held for each group. 

Youth nutrition education provides hands-on activities for youth to learn and practice skills in making healthy food and physical activity choices.  Nutrition education sessions are held during and after school and during the summer.  Sessions often include take-home materials and recipes for families to use at home.

Methods:

Group classes, using a social support model
Hands-on activities including cooking

MNN staff:

Chris Sady, Madeleine Martin, Deb Richards


Staff contact:

Chris Sady, MS, RD
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 11, Augusta, ME 04330
P: 207/626-5242
F: 207/626-5210
csady@usm.maine.edu