Grow Getters instills early healthy habits

Good health in the early years leads to physical and cognitive development that enables youths to thrive and become healthy adults. Early care and education providers can teach healthy behaviors to young children if resources are available in a grab-and-go format. South Dakota State University Extension professionals created Grow Getters to provide nutrition and physical activities through garden concepts for youths in preschool through third grade. All the lessons included original science, nutrition and physical activity related to the main topic.

Across the state, 2,412 youths benefited from the program. Extension professionals evaluated the program and 70% of respondents stated they gained knowledge. Providers are better equipped to help youth in their care with education and safety because of the workshops, trainings and presentations they attended. Qualitative feedback showed they increased their knowledge of nutrition and physical activity due to Extension’s resources. When providers use the nutrition and physical activity resources, it increases the children’s ability to learn healthy habits for life, prevent the onset of chronic disease and obesity and lead healthy and productive lives as they grow into adulthood.

Project supported by Smith Lever (3b&c) funds.