Chapter 4: Nutrition Education
I. Nutrition Education Overview
A. Goals
Nutrition education shall be based on the following two broad goals:
To emphasize the relationship of proper nutrition to the total concept of good health, with special emphasis on the nutritional needs of the population served; and
To assist participants in obtaining a positive change in food habits, resulting in improved nutritional status and in the prevention of nutrition related problems through maximum use of supplemental and other nutritious foods. This use is to be within the context of ethnic, cultural, and geographic preferences.
B. Local Agency Responsibility - [See Exhibit H]
Distribute to CSFP recipients, nutrition education materials particularly suited for seniors within cultural and ethnic preferences. Materials should show nutritious ways to use CSFP foods, show their nutritional value, and how it relates to participants overall dietary needs.
Provide basic nutrition education to all participants. Materials will indicate the importance of health care and the role good nutrition plays in maintaining good health.
Provide at least one nutrition education contact in addition to the initial contact for participants in each certification period through the use of recipes, food demonstrations, films, group classes, or educational handouts at the local agency distribution site.
Provide nutrition education tailored to meet special needs of participants with no running water, limited cooking, and refrigeration facilities.
C. Resources
Nutrition consultation will be available to CSFP sites through the State Agency. Community resources can also be utilized through County Cooperative Extension staff.
D. Training
DCF will strive to conduct CSFP statewide meetings each year. At these meetings, all staff providing services will receive continuing education in elderly nutrition, as well as program updates. As a part of all program management evaluations, nutrition education services are evaluated. This information will also be used as the basis for further staff training efforts.
E. Nutritional Risk
DCF is not using nutritional risk as a criteria for serving recipients.
II. CSFP Participant Survey
An annual LA CSFP Participant Survey is administered by LA’s to a random sample of at least 10% of CSFP participants in May with the results returned to DCF by June 15. [See
Exhibit A-13 for sample form and instructions.]
The survey results will measure:
- Provision and appropriateness of nutrition education provided by LA.
- Identify topics of interest to assist each LA in targeting nutrition education needs of CSFP participants.
- Effectiveness of the food package.
- Identify common problems with food distribution.
- Appropriateness of health information and referrals provided by CSFP.
- Satisfaction with overall program.
- Statistical information on respondents.
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