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American Dietetic Association Foundation Recognizes National Latino Children's Institute and Kraft Foods for SALSA, SABOR Y SALUD

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 October 2007, 09:00 CDT

Salsa, Sabor y Salud (Food, Fun & Fitness), the first-of-its-kind healthy lifestyles program created by the National Latino Children's Institute (NLCI) in partnership with Kraft Foods, is the winner of the 2007 American Dietetic Association (ADA)/American Dietetic Association Foundation Presidents' Circle Award for Nutrition Education.

The program, developed with significant input from Latino Health Communications and the National Parks and Recreation Association, employs the unique traditions of Latino family gatherings as the foundation to teach and model healthful lifestyle choices. Salsa, Sabor y Salud is a bilingual (Spanish/English) program that encourages full participation by all family members in their language of preference.

"Salsa, Sabor y Salud engages Latino families by integrating culturally relevant songs, games and traditions to promote hands-on learning about making nutritious food choices and increasing physical activities to build cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility," said Josie Garza, Executive Director, NLCI. "Kraft Foods' involvement has helped us reach more than 16,000 Latinos across the U.S. since the program was unveiled in 2004."

According to the 2005 Healthcare Disparities Report, issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Hispanic children are more likely to be overweight than non-Hispanic whites, which is of primary concern to NLCI because it documents the urgency of health prevention education for Latino families.

"The program has demonstrated considerable positive impact on this at-risk population," said Lance Friedmann, Senior Vice President, Global Health and Wellness, Kraft Foods. "Our partnership with NLCI and our work together on Salsa, Sabor y Salud highlights our commitment to encouraging healthy living within the Latino community."

The Presidents' Circle Nutrition Education Award recognizes unique and creative methods of developing and distributing scientifically sound nutrition information, without a specific commercial message or endorsement. Salsa, Sabor y Salud will receive the award at the ADA's 2007 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 29 -- October 2.

"We commend the work the Salsa, Sabor y Salud program has done bringing the powerful message of a healthful lifestyle to Latino communities," said Susan Finn, PhD, RD, chair of the American Dietetic Association Foundation.

The 2005 evaluation of the program conducted by the Center for Prevention Research Development at the University of Illinois showed that 93 percent of those participants surveyed report their families are eating more nutritious meals.

Since 2004, 236 staff members from 75 community sites in Latino neighborhoods of Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, Madison, New York City and counties of New Jersey have been trained on the program.

For additional information about Salsa, Sabor y Salud, visit www.nlci.org.

SIDE BAR: Focusing on four key steps to healthy living, Salsa, Sabor y Salud brings to life the messages of: choosing nutritious foods and beverages from each of the main food groups every day, being sensible about portions, being physically active every day and taking small steps for cumulative and lasting success.

The National Latino Children's Institute (NLCI) is a non-profit organization; its mission is to promote and implement the National Latino Children's Agenda--a comprehensive statement of principles for the healthy and complete development of young Latinos. Incorporated in 1997 in San Antonio, Texas, the institute focuses the nation's attention on policies, programs, and community initiatives that lead to the full and healthy development of Latino children. It is the only Latino organization with young Latinos as its primary emphasis.

Kraft Foods Inc. is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, and markets a broad portfolio of iconic brands in more than 155 countries. The Kraft Cares community involvement program strives to make a difference in the communities where its employees live and work. In keeping with the company's corporate vision of helping people around the world eat and live better, Kraft Cares focuses primarily on health and wellness programs that help end hunger and help children and families improve their physical activity and awareness of nutritional practices. In 2006, Kraft provided $83 million in food and financial support to hundreds of non-profit organizations worldwide.

The American Dietetic Association Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity devoted exclusively to nutrition and dietetics. It funds scholarships and awards, public awareness and research projects and ADA strategic initiatives and is the largest provider of scholarships and awards in the field of dietetics. The Foundation's mission is funding the future of the dietetics profession through research and education. Visit the ADA Foundation at www.adaf.org.

With more than 67,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

Source: Business Wire

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