Abstract
Problem Identification Childhood obesity is a chronic condition associated with the leading causes of death in the United States. Low-income and Hispanic youth have disproportionately higher rates of childhood obesity in Merced County, California when compared to state and national averages.
Analysis Factors at the societal, community, interpersonal, and individual levels are associated with obesity in low-income, Hispanic youth – most notably, the school nutrition environment, food marketing exposure, local food access, and maternal and individual preferences, knowledge, and self-efficacy levels. Specifically, interpersonal, and individual factors increasing fruit and vegetable intake show protective benefits in reducing obesity.
Intervention (Solution Proposal) The Bright Chefs program aims to increase self-efficacy in preparing fruits and vegetables among Hispanic youth in elementary schools. Through a series of culturally tailored nutrition lessons, guided food preparation demos, and grocery distributions in a peer-friendly school environment, participants gain the necessary knowledge, confidence, and resources to consume more fruits and vegetables.
Implementation and Evaluation Instructors and instructor assistants deliver after-school weekly lessons and interactive activities in the school cafeteria, in collaboration with community partners and program managers who work to increase access to fruits and vegetables. Pre and post lesson and program assessments are distributed to evaluate the development of knowledge, confidence, and skills that facilitate increased fruit and vegetable consumption.