The Afterschool Experience in Salsa, Sabor y Salud: Evaluation 2007-2008

In the United States, there is an alarming trend toward obesity and inactivity among children. Minorities and economically disadvantaged children are at an even higher risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one in two Latino children will become diabetic. As a result, there is a dire need for tailored intervention programs that take into account cultural, dietary, and lifestyle issues of the Latino community. Kraft Foods has partnered with the National Latino Children’s Institute and developed a healthy lifestyles education program for Latino families called “Salsa, Sabor y Salud” (Food, Fun & Fitness). The current study examines the effectiveness of the child-centered version of the curriculum at three pilot programs in Los Angeles and Chicago. The results of the outcome evaluation revealed that the child-focused program has made a positive impact in student’s healthy behaviors. Positive impacts were also seen in the knowledge and healthy behaviors of the instructors. Furthermore, the program’s messages has reached parents and families of the participants through the students as they shared their knowledge and encouraged their families to adapt healthier lifestyles.