4-H Student Nutrition Advisory Councils Support Positive Youth Development and Health Outcomes Among Underserved Populations

Abstract

4-H SNAC Clubs engage youth in low-income schools with majority Latinx enrollment in leadership activities to increase schoolwide health and wellness. 4-H SNAC Clubs aim to develop youth health leaders, establish youth-adult partnerships, and increase access to 4-H in Latinx communities. Outcomes related to healthful living and positive youth development were assessed using the Teen Teacher Retrospective Survey (n=59) across five 4-H SNAC Clubs. Results show positive outcomes related to self-reported health behaviors for students and their families and leadership development. 4-H SNAC Clubs can increase access to 4-H among Latinx youth and support healthier communities through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education programming.

Student Food Selection Behaviour after Returning to Face-to-Face Classes

“…There are impact programs that suggest selecting correct food preparation for students in educational institutions [15], because the current poor nutrition is due to a lack of nutritional knowledge and the intake of micronutrients in excess of substances that lead to obesity [16]. To avoid these consequences young people from low economic schools form clubs to spread knowledge about good nutrition through educational programs [17]. Since consuming nutrients will help young people have a good diet while avoiding the consumption of foods that are harmful to health such as excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and food with excess preservatives [18].…”