LAUSD Salad Bar Program and Evaluation

In response to the findings of the 1998 Hunger Study, LAUSD placed salad bars in three elementary schools as a pilot program in 1999 to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and combat obesity. Evaluating the results, Drs. Slusser and UCLA colleagues found FV consumption increased from a frequency of three to more than four (Slusser, Neumann, Lange, & Cumberland, 2007). As a result, there are 60 FV bars in LAUSD schools. In addition, Dr. Slusser has worked closely with the Director of LAUSD new construction to ensure that the schools have the design plans to support FV bars as part of the school lunch program. The results of the study have attracted much media attention including feature stories on NPR morning addition and the Jim Lehr News Hour.

Nutrition Friendly Schools and Communities (NFSC) Development

To develop a comprehensive environmental model that addressed the health needs of LAUSD elementary school children by improving their nutritional status. The pilot study has demonstrated success in involving school and community stakeholders, including local parks and recreation staff, community health providers, parents, and farmer’s markets, to improve the school environment and support healthy eating and physical activity (Slusser et al, 2004; Vecchiarelli, et al. 2005). Major outcomes include a tool kit and extension of the work in LAUSD to conduct a worksite wellness study in LAUSD.

Quality Care Improvement of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Primary Care

The research team has also been working in a primary care setting - the Venice Family Clinic (VFC) - to address problems of poor nutrition and physical under activity in predominantly Latino families living in low-income households. Systems are currently being established to improve overweight pediatric tracking, and through advocacy, Dr. Slusser has ensured that VFC patients had affordable access to a high quality weight management program. (NICHQ presentation in March, 2008, Slusser, Cameron, Rosales, 2008). Through this work a clinical tool has been developed that is demonstrating to e effective in helping to reverse the trends of overweight at the largest free clinic in the US.

Nutrition Network Evaluation

Dr. Slusser and UCLA colleagues have been evaluating the nutrition network program for LAUSD since its inception in 2000 (Prelip et al, 2006). With a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the California Department of Health Services and in-kind district contributions through staff time, the LAUSD established the LAUSD Nutrition Network in October 2000. The Nutrition Network goal is for children to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, and enjoy 60 minutes of physical activity, each day. We are the evaluators for the program and provide on-going technical assistance. As a result of this work, LAUSD is focusing more efforts on outreach and education of parents.

Pediatric Overweight Prevention through Parent Training

Dr. Slusser conceived this program with UCLA colleagues and studying an innovative intervention to prevent overweight in Latino children ages 2-4 years old, combining evidence-based prevention programs with evidence based parent management skills instruction. The parent-training program is 1.5 hour classes held once a week for 7 weeks, and is designed to integrate nutrition and physical fitness education and is taught at the Venice Family Clinic and is has recently expanded to community sites. The intervention was presented at the 0-3 Conference in December 2007.

Increasing Children's Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Title 1 Elementary Schools

Only 21% of California children ages 9–11 eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day with daily servings averaging 2.7. Diets high in a variety of fruits and vegetables not only help in weight management but also help reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. This project increased the availability and accessibility to fruits and vegetables during the lunch period of 4 elementary Title I schools in Los Angeles. 24-hour food recalls, weight and height measurements and knowledge, attitude and behavior questions were asked to over 600 4th and 5th graders before and after the introduction of the fruit and vegetable bars. The data is being analyzed currently. The intervention is going to be presented at the NICHQ Conference in March 2008.

For additional information, please contact Wendy Slusser, MD, MS.