Growing Healthy Children and Families in Rural Arkansas

Childhood obesity is a national problem with racial and ethnic disparities specifically among Hispanic children. The primary purpose of this study is to develop and implement a culturally appropriate healthy eating intervention called Growing Healthy Children and Families in Rural Arkansas.

Specific Aim (SA) 1. To develop a culturally appropriate healthy eating promotion intervention (Growing Healthy Children and Families in Rural Arkansas) in collaboration with Hispanic churches and their congregants.

SA2. To conduct the Growing Healthy Children and Families in Rural Arkansas intervention in eight churches (four churches in the intervention vs four in the control/attention group), and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the intervention.

SA3. To assess the impact of the Growing Healthy Children and Families in Rural Arkansas intervention on healthy food preparation (mothers) and intake of fruits and vegetables (child).

The investigators will compare between the intervention group (16 mother-child dyads) versus the control/attention group (16 mother-child dyad) to see if the intervention is effective in improving diet quality and changing cooking behaviors.

Participants will:

1. Participate in cooking workshops and one to one learning activities 2. Report on diet and physical activity 3. Will measure fruit and vegetable intake