Community Nutrition Resources
Based on 32 agencies surveyed:
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| Twenty-three of thirty-two organizations provide some type of physical activity service (promotion and education). |
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Nutrition and physical activity are promoted to varying degrees in the community at large through radio, TV, newspapers, hospital/health care community newsletters, and food stores.
Food assistance programs available in this community include: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program; Child Nutrition Programs (School Lunch, Breakfast, Summer Feeding) in some public and private elementary, middle, and high schools; Elderly Nutrition Program in Milwaukee County Department on Aging; SHARE; Commodity Supplemental Nutrition Program; Farmers Market Nutrition Program (seasonal); Hunger Task Force and Second Harvest. Nutrition services are also available through hospitals and health care providers in other facilities such as long-term care.
Physical activity programs available in this community include school and community recreation departments; private health and sport clubs. Several hospital/health care organizations offer very limited activity related programs.
Nutrition programs most commonly include screening, assessment, education, and promotion. Registered Dietitians, Registered Nurses, Dietetic Technicians, and nutritionists provide nutrition services. Nutrition education topics that are commonly addressed are meal planning, food preparation and safety.
Twenty-three of thirty-two organizations provide some type of physical activity service (promotion and education). One agency has a physical activity policy. Men seem to be the most targeted population for physical activity services.
In the area of funding, most programs are either free or paid for by the participant. Medicare/Medicaid benefits can be applied in half the programs requiring a fee. Twenty-one respondents had not sought funding for nutrition and physical activity, however nineteen were interested in partnering to write grants.
Nearly all of the responding organizations use educational materials, and about half of these share materials with other community providers. Some organizations have formed partnerships with others to offer nutrition and physical activity programs. The most common services to which organizations refer clients are physicians, health clubs recreation departments, WIC, and food stamps. Based upon the responses, services are most commonly delivered at senior and community centers, health fairs and agency offices. Persons who are least likely to receive information on nutrition and physical activity are the uninsured, homeless, and low-income individuals who are not receiving other assistance.
To learn more on how you can be a part of the nutrition and physical activity education and awareness efforts of the Milwaukee County Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition (MCNPAC), call the Education & Awareness Committee Chairperson Elvira Asuncion, (414) 243-4124, or MCNPAC Steering Chairpersons (Jodi Klement, (414) 227-4918, or Yvonne Greer, (414) 286-3619).