The impact of a community-based activity and nutrition program for children

Author(s)

Jessica M. Valenzuela, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
F. Jacquez
R. Fendery
L. Niemes

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community

ISSN

1085-2352

Publication Date

1-1-2011

Abstract

There is consensus that community-wide integration of programs targeting pediatric obesity prevention is needed. The present article describes the growth, acceptability, and impact of a school- and community-based kids' marathon program targeting physical activity and nutrition. Youth in the program are encouraged to incrementally walk/run/jog a marathon and improve their diet through nutrition challenges. Participants track mileage and healthy eating over approximately 6 months, and complete a final marathon mile at the program's culminating event. Across 21 schools, 404 students between kindergarten and 8th grade reported on their experiences in the program. Also, 19 school coordinators rated their perceptions of the program's impact. While the data is preliminary and retrospective, it indicates that participants are highly engaged and that the program has potential to improve physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors in many children. Strengths of the program, implications for obesity prevention, and future directions are also discussed.

DOI

10.1080/10852352.2011.576958

Volume

39

Issue

3

First Page

182

Last Page

193

NSUWorks Citation

Valenzuela, J. M., Jacquez, F., Fendery, R., Niemes, L. (2011). The impact of a community-based activity and nutrition program for children. Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community, 39(3), 182-193.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/1463