NDSU Extension Service
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for Native American Kids and Families
NDSU Extension Service's "Crunch and Munch"program promoted healthy lifestyles for Native American kids and families in Sioux County and on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Children and families in Sioux County and on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation are living healthier thanks to NDSU Extension Service's "Crunch and Munch" program.
“Crunch and Munch,” an after-school program for children in grades four to six and an in-school program for special-needs high school students, was designed improve consumption of fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich foods and whole grains, and to increase fitness among children and families.
Childhood obesity is a topic of concern nationwide, and American Indians have a higher incidence of diabetes and obesity compared with other groups. The "Crunch and Munch" lessons on food preparation and gardening have improved the eating habits and physical activity of the 45 kids who participated in the program.
Materials and lessons on healthy living have also reached the kids' siblings, parent, grandparents and community members with great impact. Participants indicate they are making more healthy snacks and meals at home, walking more for exercise and watch less T.V.
In one community, these efforts have resulted in a community garden and community kitchen where the lessons learned in the program can be passed on to others.
