The California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families “Building a Healthy Body & Soul”

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY INITIATIVE IN STIMULATING CHANGE IN NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AFRICAN AMERICANS Elaine G. Williams, Ph.D., R,D. Charles R. Drew University

 Rates of chronic disease including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and obesity are disproportionately high in the African American community.  More than 60% of African American men and women in California are overweight or obese. Health Disparities

 Combined, heart disease and cancer cause over half of all African American deaths.  Cancer and heart disease are leading causes of death for African American youth accounting for one in five deaths in African American teens in California.

Why “5 a Day”?  Results from the 1999 California Dietary Practices Survey showed that fruit and vegetable consumption among African Americans is 3.2 servings/day.  Studies have shown that eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and engaging in regular physical activity significantly reduce the risk for chronic diseases.

AA 5 A DAY Mission The African American 5 A Day Campaign encourages the improvement of health by empowering the African American community through education, advocacy, and policy development that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity.

History/Background  Organized in November 1998 as an advisory group of the Cancer Prevention and Nutrition Section of the California Department of Health Services.  A membership of concerned California residents, community leaders, ministers, registered dietitians, nurses, doctors, and advocates.

Goals  Identify best ways to communicate, educate and motivate healthy eating and physical activity in African American communities. 2. Develop strategies, provide training and strengthen the role of groups working to promote the health and wellness of African Americans.

Outreach Channels The AA 5 A Day Campaign is reaching the African American community in places where they eat, work, shop, and spend time with their families:  Churches/Faith-Based Organizations  Retailers/Grocery Stores  Media: TV, Radio, Print  Community Festivals Channels selected were supported by survey respondents when asked where they want to learn about healthy eating and physical activity.

African American Institutions Most Likely to Listen to about Issues on Nutrition and Physical Activity –1 st - Church (45%) –2 nd - Blacks in Nutrition and Dietetics (41%) –3 rd - BET (32%) –4 th - African-American Radio Stations (29%) –5 th - NAACP (22%)

Faith Awardees Southern California 10 churches Los Angeles Blacks in Nutrition and Dietetics Northern California 2 churches University of California Extension

Social Ecological Model LEVELS OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE Individual Interpersonal or Group Institutional or organizational Community Societal or public policy level

Individual Level Nutrition classes/seminars/workshops Food Demonstrations Physical fitness classes Learn by Mail curriculum At home fitness program

Interpersonal or Group Level Healthy food cook-offs Walking groups Monthly or weekly meetings Team sports Drill/Step teams Praise Dancers

Institutional or Organizational Level Special Sermons Healthy Meals or Snacks at church functions Nutrition Sabbath/Sundays Health Stations at Church on Sundays Bulletin Board Displays Literature Racks

Community Level Farmers’ Markets Community Gardens Community Health Fairs Community Walk a Thons Cable TV Shows Radio talk Shows Newspaper and Magazine Articles

Societal or Public Policy Level Participation on community, state and national committees, advisory boards, organizations and agencies Mayoral Proclamations Congressional Proclamations Citywide Coalitions

Evaluation Strategies FOCUS GROUPS SURVEY OF KEY INFORMANTS SERIAL NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SURVEYS FESTIVAL SURVEYS

SUMMARY THE CHURCH IS AN EFFECTIVE MEDIUM FOR DELIVERY NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS AND STIMULATING CHANGE IN AFRICAN AMERICANS AT ALL LEVELS OF THE SOCIAL ECOLOGICAL MODEL.