Piolet Project

P i l o t P r o j e c t

Objectives

Increasing student options for low-fat fast foods and physical activity was the policy objective of California Project LEAN's Food on the Run pilot project at inner-city Hoover High School in San Diego during the 94/95 school year. By the end of the school year, the campaign prompted two major policy/environmental changes:

Hoover opened a 2,800-square foot fitness center for students, staff and community members six days a week before and after school; and
High school cafeterias throughout the 128,000-student San Diego Schools District offered a weekly low-fat combo meal.

The Hoover fitness center was the result of multiple partners - school staff, parents, Project LEAN and the San Diego Police Department - banding together to support a grant for reconditioned fitness equipment from Operation Fit Kids, a program of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The addition of a low-fat combo meal to high school cafeterias was the result of collaboration with school food service staff on a trial low-fat combo meal promotion at Hoover High School.

Activities

A major emphasis of the Food on the Run pilot project was the development of peer educators who were trained in nutrition, physical activity, smart shopping and accessing the media. A media campaign that was built around student advocacy efforts resulted in press coverage on all major television network stations and independents in the San Diego media market. Students also had the opportunity to participate in an MTV-style commercial that was produced on campus to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

To combat the myth that low-fat foods are tasteless, the Food on the Run pilot project embarked on student taste-testing of low-fat fast foods available in the school cafeteria and at fast food restaurants. Coupons for free low-fat products from El Pollo Loco and Taco Bell's Border Lights line were also provided to all students and school staff. To reinforce the idea that physical activity is fun, the campaign included after-school hiphop dance classes.

Evaluation

After the pilot project was completed, pre- and post surveys indicated that students who were closely involved with the campaign (peer educators) believed more strongly that: what people eat and drink makes a difference in their health; regular, moderate exercise is a good way to stay healthy and avoid disease; and they have influence over what physical activities are offered at their school. Also after the pilot project, more students throughout the general student population were able to correctly identify ways to cut down on fat in fast foods.

Expansion

During the 1995-96 school year, the Food on the Run campaign expanded to 10 additional California high schools through Project LEAN's 10 Regions. In January 1998, ten new sites were selected and in January 1999, eight more were selected.


	P i l o t P r o j e c t Objectives Increasing student options for low-fat fast foods and physical activity was the policy objective of California Project LEAN's Food on the Run pilot project at inner-city Hoover High School in San Diego during the 94/95 school year. By the end of the school year, the campaign prompted two major policy/environmental changes: Hoover opened a 2,800-square foot fitness center for students, staff and community members six days a week before and after school; and High school cafeterias throughout the 128,000-student San Diego Schools District offered a weekly low-fat combo meal. The Hoover fitness center was the result of multiple partners - school staff, parents, Project LEAN and the San Diego Police Department - banding together to support a grant for reconditioned fitness equipment from Operation Fit Kids, a program of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The addition of a low-fat combo meal to high school cafeterias was the result of collaboration with school food service staff on a trial low-fat combo meal promotion at Hoover High School. Activities A major emphasis of the Food on the Run pilot project was the development of peer educators who were trained in nutrition, physical activity, smart shopping and accessing the media. A media campaign that was built around student advocacy efforts resulted in press coverage on all major television network stations and independents in the San Diego media market. Students also had the opportunity to participate in an MTV-style commercial that was produced on campus to promote healthy eating and physical activity. To combat the myth that low-fat foods are tasteless, the Food on the Run pilot project embarked on student taste-testing of low-fat fast foods available in the school cafeteria and at fast food restaurants. Coupons for free low-fat products from El Pollo Loco and Taco Bell's Border Lights line were also provided to all students and school staff. To reinforce the idea that physical activity is fun, the campaign included after-school hiphop dance classes. Evaluation After the pilot project was completed, pre- and post surveys indicated that students who were closely involved with the campaign (peer educators) believed more strongly that: what people eat and drink makes a difference in their health; regular, moderate exercise is a good way to stay healthy and avoid disease; and they have influence over what physical activities are offered at their school. Also after the pilot project, more students throughout the general student population were able to correctly identify ways to cut down on fat in fast foods. Expansion During the 1995-96 school year, the Food on the Run campaign expanded to 10 additional California high schools through Project LEAN's 10 Regions. In January 1998, ten new sites were selected and in January 1999, eight more were selected.

Public Health Institute	Chronic Disease and Injury Control