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EFNEP Programs 4-H DOT (DIET's OUR THING) The 4-H DOT (Diet's Our Thing) program was developed in January 1970. Program volunteers in 10 Alabama counties taught children the importance of good nutrition and how to prepare good-tasting, nutritious meals. By 1971, all 67 Alabama counties were involved. Today in Alabama, more than 2,700 youth are enrolled in 229
organized 4-H DOT clubs, 64 special-interest groups and 52 school
enrichment programs. Clubs are comprised of boys and girls ages
6-19. Program assistants still teach cooking basics and good
nutrition, but also teach students how to plan nutritious menus
for their families, and the importance of following food safety
practices. Youth are encouraged to be physically active and to
eat healthful snacks. Another EFNEP program focuses on the specific nutritional needs of low-income pregnant women and new mothers. What began as "MOM" is now "Today's Mom." It teaches basic nutrition principles to pregnant women and teens. Women attend classes where they learn about foods they need for the developing baby, appropriate weight gain, exercise during pregnancy and avoidance of substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. They also learn about proper baby care, breastfeeding and
formula feeding. The program has been very successful in
Alabama, particularly in reducing risk of low-birthweight infants
in the state. More than 3,500 women were enrolled in Today's Mom
program in 1997-98. The Eating Right curriculum covers basic nutrition
principles in a series of 16 lessons. Class members learn about
the food groups and the Food Guide Pyramid. They discuss foods
that are good sources of vitamins and minerals, basic meal
planning for better nutrition, and food safety in the kitchen.
Classes are designed for adults, particularly women with small
children at home. Foods are prepared at some of the classes and
participants are given recipes to take and use in their own
homes. How to read nutrition labels on foods, how to save money
on foods at the store and how to plan healthy snacks for children
also are discussed in classes. Mom's Helper is currently a pilot project based in Tuscaloosa County with more than 267 participants. A program assistant serves as a helper to pregnant women and new mothers who wish to breastfeed. The Mom's Helper goes to the participant's home to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as proper nutrition during breastfeeding. The goal of the program is to promote breastfeeding for at least four weeks after the birth of the infant. Mothers are shown various positions for breastfeeding and are taught about common problems that may arise. Mom's Helpers provide assistance at the hospital and information about breastfeeding supplies and support groups. The program will be implemented statewide in January 1999. |