CSUN Champions for Change Program

1 Karina Almanza, MS(c); 1 Annette Besnilian, EdD; 1 David Boyns, PhD; 1 Kenia Fuentes, MPH; 1 Doug
Kaback; 1 Viridiana Ortiz, MPH(c); 1 Scott Plunket, PhD
California State University, Northridge

Abstract Methods and Materials

Research shows that low-income Hispanic adults and children have a In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the nutrition and gardening
higher risk for childhood obesity and overweight conditions than other education and behavior change, a pretest and posttest were administered.
ethnic groups. Unhealthy eating habits and lack of access to fresh fruits
and vegetables are two contributing factors identified to increase the risk A. Research Design
of chronic conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease). This study uses (1) pre- and post- assessments, and (2) focus groups. All
There is a great need for primary prevention programs that can increase research measures and tools were pre-approved by the Los Angeles
basic nutrition knowledge and can create access to fresh fruits and County Department of Public Health.
vegetables. One program that is showing great potential and having
great impact in the community of Canoga Park is the Champions for
B. Procedures
Change program. This program is taking a holistic approach using the
During the first year of the three-year track, a total of 267 pretests were
Social Ecological Model as a framework targeting all three level of a
administered to children and adults prior to the start of the 5-week
person’s life (e.g., individual, institutional, and environmental). Using
workshop. Posttests were administered and collected on the last day of the
edible gardens as teaching platforms and connecting the environment to
5-week workshop. All assessments were coded, cleaned, and inputted
overall health, this program provides nutrition education (individual
using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Paired samples t-
level). Students and parents are engaged in building edible gardens at
test were conducted to compare pretest and posttest.
school sites and community centers (institutional). Furthermore, the
program engages parents, community leaders, and school
C. Sample Characteristics
representatives in collaboration and resource sharing with the goal of
• 13 SNAP-Ed eligible sites were approved to participate in the program Chart 1. Socio-Ecological Model
increase availability of fresh fruits and vegetables at the community’s
• 171 student assessments were administered
food pantry (environmental level). Children are an easy target and the
most targeted population by fast food chains. It is imperative to educate
• 96 adult assessments were administered
• Majority Latino
Results
this young population to empower to make healthy food choices.
• SNAP eligible participants Young Participants
Prevention strategies must include the entire family to ensure that the
During year 1 of implementation, CSUN Champions for Change targeted
concepts a child learns in a classroom setting and in the garden are
From 4/17 through 12/17 youth in the school and community setting using USDA-approved evidence-
reinforce at home. The Champions for Change program engages SNAP-Ed Eligible Sites
based curricula with the intent to increase fruit and vegetable consumption,
parents and provides them with education in order to create a Canoga Park High School Total classes
265 increase physical activity, increase consumption of healthy beverages,
connection between a child and parent and support a switch to a healthy implemented
Hart Street Elementary and/or decrease consumption of less healthy beverages.
behavior for the entire family. Total number of
Christopher Columbus Middle School community (within
sites and to the Adult Participants
35 During year 1 of implementation, CSUN Champions for Change targeted
Introduction Canoga Park Elementary general
community) parents in schools and community setting using the Nutrition 5 Class Series
CDI Early Learning Center events: and gardening education with the intent to increase fruit and vegetable
Childhood obesity is a national epidemic in the United States, 1 in 5 California State University Northridge consumption, increase consumption of healthy beverages, and/or decrease
Number of
children and adolescents are obese (CDC, 2017). In California, 7.4 consumption of less healthy beverages.
persons reached
million adults and adolescents were obese in 2011-2012 (UCLA, 2015). 21,297
Alliance for Community Empowerment (direct and
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reports indirect):
that 19.8% of adults are obese in SPA 2 (LACDPH, 2017). California
Health Interview Survey (CHIS) specifically for Canoga Park, indicating Guadalupe Center
Number of
impressions
Discussion
that 22.9% of adults were diagnosed as obese (Wolstein, Babey, 24,170
New Academy Canoga Park through social
Diamant, 2015). For the future, School personnel (principals and teachers) will be
Coutin School media (Facebook)
(i) The Purpose of Study interviewed to determine the changes they have observed in nutrition and
Number of sites 13 physical activity behaviors in the schools. Thus, CSUN Champions for
As a response to combat the percentages of obesity from increasing NEW FamilySource Center
Number of Change can be an effective program and the classes and workshops can
and to incorporate promotion of health and well-being, the Los Angeles West Valley Boys & Girls Club
gardens 12 help to increase children’ and families’ nutrition, gardening and physical
County Department of Public Health granted a 3-year contract for the Salvation Army built/revitalized
initiation of CSUN Champions for Change: Healthy Communities activity knowledge and help increase consumption of foods such as kale,
Initiative. CSUN Champions for Change targets a community garden broccoli, Swiss chard, eggplant, purple cauliflower and rainbow carrots.
and nutrition education impact within the community of Canoga Park, CA
area (Appendix A). Working in affiliation with CSUN, the Marilyn
Magaram Center, Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing, and Conclusions
Neighborhood Partners in Action (NPA), CSUN Champions for Change
has collaborated with other internal resources to: schedule and Research & Practice Implications
implement grant-related community recruitment events, task force and • Further research with other demographics and other outreach sites
coalition meetings; maintain relationships with community partners; and needs to be conducted.
develop a sustainability plan to ensure viability of the Champions • Families should be investigated to see if behavioral health changes are
Initiative beyond the grant period. initiated and implemented in the home environment.
With a focus to serve disadvantaged, underrepresented, a diverse • Provide a nationwide school-based and community-based prevention
population, and neighboring communities, CSUN Champions for and intervention program that engages students and families in
Change aspires to make a positive change in the health and well-being gardening, healthy cooking, eating, and physical activity.
of the 25,000 residents residing in Canoga Park. • Long-term follow-up should be conducted to determine if the families who
Figure 1. Our youth cohort Figure 2. Children eating their Figure 3. Garden Build Day with
(ii) The Hypothesis our parent cohort ` participated in the gardening and nutrition education program
harvesting fresh and organic fruits own grown vegetables
CSUN Champions for Change workshops will increase participant’s and vegetables demonstrate that changes were made in their eating habits, physical
knowledge in nutrition and gardening. activity and health awareness.
After completing the CSUN Champions for Change gardening and • Implementation and evaluation of the next level (2nd year) will focus on
nutrition education classes and workshops, participants will report and building and revitalizing the garden (institutional layer). The third year will
increase in: (1) Fruit consumption, (2) Vegetable consumption, (3) focus on implementation of evidence-based strategies to integrate a
Whole grain consumption and (4) Milk consumption. Healthy Food Pantry approach (environmental).

Contact References
Karina Almanza 1.
2.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). Childhood overweight and obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/
Los Angeles County Public Health Department. (2017). Key indicators of health by service planning area. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ha/docs/2015LACHS/KeyIndicator/PH-KIH_2017-
Viridiana Ortiz 3.
sec%20UPDATED.pdf
UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. (2015). Obesity in California. http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/publications/Documents/PDF/2015/obesityreport-jun2015.pdf
CSUN Marilyn Magaram Center 4. Wolstein, J., PhD, MPP, Babey, S. H., PhD, & Diamant, A. L., MD, MSHS. (2015). Obesity in California. The California Endowment. Retrieved from
http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/publications/Documents/PDF/2015/obesityreport-jun2015.pdf
Karina.Almanza.249@my.csun.edu
viridiana.Ortiz@csun.edu