As Thanksgiving approaches, ushering in the holiday season, horticulture experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are touting bountiful insights about two nutritious leafy vegetables set to elevate festive meals and home gardens this year: escarole and endive. These versatile greens, highlighted in a recent Ask IFAS document, are [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_49169" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49169" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-medium wp-image-49169 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="194" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/11/EDIS-Escarole-field-in-the-EAA-cultivated-in-rich-organic-much-soils-UF-IFAS-Lettuce-Breeding-Program-300x194.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49169" class="wp-caption-text">A field of escarole cultivated in rich organic muck soils of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Photo courtesy of the UF/IFAS Lettuce Breeding Program</figcaption></figure>
As Thanksgiving approaches, ushering in the holiday season, horticulture experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are touting bountiful insights about two nutritious leafy vegetables set to elevate festive meals and home gardens this year: escarole and endive.
These versatile greens, highlighted in a recent Ask IFAS document, are ideal for tapas, soups, salads, appetizers, side dishes and as key flavoring and texture ingredients in main dishes.
<a href="https://erec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty-pages/dr-german-sandoya-faculty-page/">Germán Sandoya</a>, associate professor of horticultural sciences at <a href="https://erec.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC)</a> and co-author of <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1489">“Escarole and Endive: Nutritious Leafy Vegetables with High Potential for Floridians,”</a> emphasizes the potential of these vegetables.
“Escaroles and endives are not just delicious, but also highly nutritious, unknown by many in the United States but popular in other countries worldwide,” Sandoya said. “Both can grow well in the home garden and are pretty, like lettuce. These leafy vegetables can be cooked or consumed raw, something that many leafy vegetables do not offer. Some of the types look like lettuce and can be found in grocery stores throughout the country.”
<figure id="attachment_49171" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49171" style="width: 224px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-49171 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="224" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/11/EDIS-Endive-field-in-the-EAA-in-southern-Florida-Credit-UF-IFAS-Gustavo-Kreutz-224x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49171" class="wp-caption-text">An endive field in the EAA in southern Florida Credit UF IFAS Gustavo Kreutz</figcaption></figure>
Popular in European countries, escarole and endive have the potential to become more widely consumed in the United States, with Florida ranked as the second-largest producer of these leafy vegetables.
“In the states, both leafy vegetables are available in the wintertime, so next time you stop by the store, give them a try,” said Sandoya.
Both leafy vegetables are produced in Palm Beach County and are available starting in November through the winter and the spring. While you may find some escaroles and endives in the summertime, they most likely come from other parts of the country as the summers are too warm for these leafy vegetables.
Sandoya, who leads the UF/IFAS <a href="https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-breeding/LETTUCE/">Lettuce Breeding Program</a> offers the following additional morsels of information highlighting key points in the research.
&nbsp;
Q: How can these vegetables be used in holiday dishes?
A: Both vegetables are incredibly versatile across cultures and countries. Tapas, soups, appetizers and even main dishes are a great place for these. The Fresh From Florida website offers many recipes using <a href="https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/?post_type=recipe&amp;s=escarole">escarole</a> and <a href="https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/?post_type=recipe&amp;s=endive">endive</a>.
 
Q: What are the key nutritional benefits of escarole and endive that make them ideal for holiday meals?
A: Both leafy vegetables have more vitamins A and B than lettuce, for example, and that makes them ideal, nutritious and fresh ingredients for salads. Some endives, like Belgian endives, can be cooked. I personally cut them longitudinally in fourths, bake them with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar and add a little bit of salt. Delicious!
Escaroles and endives are also rich in minerals that aid in human nutrition.
 
Q: What are the benefits of growing escarole and endive in Florida?
A: The great weather is Florida’s wintertime! This is the time when we grow leafy vegetables in Florida. Whether you are growing escaroles and endives, or lettuce, or tomatoes, wintertime is the best time of the year in the Sunshine State.
&nbsp;
Q: What are the top three best practices for growing escarole and endive in Florida’s winter climate?
A: Acquire certified seeds, don’t water often and use just enough care and follow the recommendations found in <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV293">Ask IFAS Chapter 9. Leafy Vegetable Production</a>. When in doubt, always ask your <a href="https://directory.ifas.ufl.edu/district/">Extension vegetable agent</a> throughout the 67 counties in Florida.
 
Q: How do escarole and endive compare to other leafy vegetables in terms of growing as a crop and for a home gardener?
A: These crops are easy to grow. Gardeners can directly seed these vegetables in raised beds that can be purchased at any gardening retailer. They can be grown in bags or beds like any other vegetables. It all depends on how much area you have at home and what other tools you have available. These crops do not need much artificial lighting as they are adapted to the shorter day length in the wintertime. Further information can be found on <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV293">Ask IFAS</a>.
 
Q: What are some common diseases and pests that affect escarole and endive, and how can they be managed?
A: As in any crop, pests and diseases may affect production. There are several <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1489">pests and diseases</a> that could affect these crops, but if they are planted along with other vegetables, chances are you will create barriers for natural enemies. Using certified seeds from a reputable source is highly recommended to avoid any enemies in your crops.
 
###
By Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/11/26/descubra-como-la-escarola-y-la-endibia-pueden-mejorar-sus-comidas-festivas/">Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME 
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at <a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/food/">ifas.ufl.edu/food</a> or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FoodIsOurMiddleName&amp;src=typed_query">#FoodIsOurMiddleName</a>.

A field of escarole cultivated in rich organic muck soils of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Photo courtesy of the UF/IFAS Lettuce Breeding Program
As Thanksgiving approaches, ushering in the holiday season, horticulture experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are touting bountiful insights about two nutritious leafy vegetables set to elevate festive meals and home gardens this year: escarole and endive.
These versatile greens, highlighted in a recent Ask IFAS document, are ideal for tapas, soups, salads, appetizers, side dishes and as key flavoring and texture ingredients in main dishes.
Germán Sandoya, associate professor of horticultural sciences at UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) and co-author of “Escarole and Endive: Nutritious Leafy Vegetables with High Potential for Floridians,” emphasizes the potential of these vegetables.
“Escaroles and endives are not just delicious, but also highly nutritious, unknown by many in the United States but popular in other countries worldwide,” Sandoya said. “Both can grow well in the home garden and are pretty, like lettuce. These leafy vegetables can be cooked or consumed raw, something that many leafy vegetables do not offer. Some of the types look like lettuce and can be found in grocery stores throughout the country.”
An endive field in the EAA in southern Florida Credit UF IFAS Gustavo Kreutz
Popular in European countries, escarole and endive have the potential to become more widely consumed in the United States, with Florida ranked as the second-largest producer of these leafy vegetables.
“In the states, both leafy vegetables are available in the wintertime, so next time you stop by the store, give them a try,” said Sandoya.
Both leafy vegetables are produced in Palm Beach County and are available starting in November through the winter and the spring. While you may find some escaroles and endives in the summertime, they most likely come from other parts of the country as the summers are too warm for these leafy vegetables.
Sandoya, who leads the UF/IFAS Lettuce Breeding Program offers the following additional morsels of information highlighting key points in the research.
 
Q: How can these vegetables be used in holiday dishes?
A: Both vegetables are incredibly versatile across cultures and countries. Tapas, soups, appetizers and even main dishes are a great place for these. The Fresh From Florida website offers many recipes using escarole and endive.
 
Q: What are the key nutritional benefits of escarole and endive that make them ideal for holiday meals?
A: Both leafy vegetables have more vitamins A and B than lettuce, for example, and that makes them ideal, nutritious and fresh ingredients for salads. Some endives, like Belgian endives, can be cooked. I personally cut them longitudinally in fourths, bake them with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar and add a little bit of salt. Delicious!
Escaroles and endives are also rich in minerals that aid in human nutrition.
 
Q: What are the benefits of growing escarole and endive in Florida?
A: The great weather is Florida’s wintertime! This is the time when we grow leafy vegetables in Florida. Whether you are growing escaroles and endives, or lettuce, or tomatoes, wintertime is the best time of the year in the Sunshine State.
 
Q: What are the top three best practices for growing escarole and endive in Florida’s winter climate?
A: Acquire certified seeds, don’t water often and use just enough care and follow the recommendations found in Ask IFAS Chapter 9. Leafy Vegetable Production. When in doubt, always ask your Extension vegetable agent throughout the 67 counties in Florida.
 
Q: How do escarole and endive compare to other leafy vegetables in terms of growing as a crop and for a home gardener?
A: These crops are easy to grow. Gardeners can directly seed these vegetables in raised beds that can be purchased at any gardening retailer. They can be grown in bags or beds like any other vegetables. It all depends on how much area you have at home and what other tools you have available. These crops do not need much artificial lighting as they are adapted to the shorter day length in the wintertime. Further information can be found on Ask IFAS.
 
Q: What are some common diseases and pests that affect escarole and endive, and how can they be managed?
A: As in any crop, pests and diseases may affect production. There are several pests and diseases that could affect these crops, but if they are planted along with other vegetables, chances are you will create barriers for natural enemies. Using certified seeds from a reputable source is highly recommended to avoid any enemies in your crops.
 
###
By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.

As Thanksgiving approaches, ushering in the holiday season, horticulture experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are touting bountiful insights about two nutritious leafy vegetables set to elevate festive meals and home gardens this year: escarole and endive. These versatile greens, highlighted in a recent Ask IFAS document, are […]

Discover how escarole and endive can elevate a holiday feast

Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However, finding these elusive creatures has always been a challenge – [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_48703" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48703" style="width: 392px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-48703" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/10/A-tegu-captured-in-South-Florida-Courtesy-UF-IFAS-Cat-Wofford--300x200.jpg" alt="" width="392" height="261" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48703" class="wp-caption-text">An Argentine black-and-white tegu captured in South Florida as a result of the experiment in Palm Beach County. UF IFAS Cat Wofford</figcaption></figure>
Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However, finding these elusive creatures has always been a challenge – until now.
University of Florida researchers are showcasing how a focused outreach initiative in Palm Beach County has led to a successful increase in reports of invasive reptiles in Florida. The findings are documented in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-73286-y">latest study published in Scientific Reports</a> and authored by researchers at <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a>. This initiative addresses the growing threat posed by non-native reptiles to the environment, economy and public health in South Florida.
<h4><a href="https://news.ufl.edu/2024/10/detecting-invasive-species-in-florida/">Click here for more on this research.</a></h4>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/10/28/investigadores-de-uf-implementan-una-exitosa-estrategia-para-detectar-especies-invasoras-mediante-la-divulgacion/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
[altmetric doi= &#8220;doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73286-y&#8221; details=&#8221;right]
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
##
by Lourdes Mederos, <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

An Argentine black-and-white tegu captured in South Florida as a result of the experiment in Palm Beach County. UF IFAS Cat Wofford
Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However, finding these elusive creatures has always been a challenge – until now.
University of Florida researchers are showcasing how a focused outreach initiative in Palm Beach County has led to a successful increase in reports of invasive reptiles in Florida. The findings are documented in the latest study published in Scientific Reports and authored by researchers at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. This initiative addresses the growing threat posed by non-native reptiles to the environment, economy and public health in South Florida.
Click here for more on this research.
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
[altmetric doi= “doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73286-y” details=”right]
 
 
##
by Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However, finding these elusive creatures has always been a challenge – […]

UF researchers’ new outreach strategy succeeds, sets blueprint for detecting invasive species in Florida

BELLE GLADE, Fla. &#8211; According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Obesity Facts for Children and Adolescents (www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html), the following data has been gathered for individuals aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020: The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents. Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- [&#8230;]

BELLE GLADE, Fla. &#8211; According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Obesity Facts for Children and Adolescents (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html">www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html</a>), the following data has been gathered for individuals aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020:
<ul>
<li>The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.</li>
<li>Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations.</li>
<li>Obesity prevalence was 26.2% among Hispanic children, 24.8% among non-Hispanic Black children, 16.6% among non-Hispanic White children, and 9.0% among non-Hispanic Asian children.</li>
<li>Obesity-related conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems.</li>
</ul>
Obesity studies conducted by the CDC focusing on adults reveal that the issue of obesity does not get any better with age, with statistics demonstrating increased prevalence (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html">www.cdc.gov/</a><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html">obesity/data/adult.html</a>).
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-1589 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/palmbeachco/files/2022/12/Blog-Picture-1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="399" height="266" />
Thus, we can agree that American society has a prevalent nutrition issue. Given that through 4-H programming we aim to provide youth the tools, resources, and knowledge to empower them to live healthy lives, the aforementioned issue is relevant and must be addressed.  Fortunately, in Palm Beach County we have a Family &amp; Consumer Sciences Extension Agent specializing in nutrition and food safety &#8211; Yesenia Rodriguez.  Together, Yesenia and I worked to create the following guide for providing nutrition education to youth:
<h3>1) Consider External Influences</h3>
What examples are youth observing in their surroundings?  Everyday happenings in their lives (family, school, friends, community functions, sports, time of the year, etc.) heavily influence what youth believe to be normal and acceptable.  If unsure of what external influences are impacting the youth you care about, an excellent way to start is by observing their relationships and interactions &#8211; those serve as the basis of their influences.
It is also worth adding prior habits and reinforced behavior as external influences.  Suppose youth have observed and been subject to improper nutritional practices (unhealthy meals and snacks, sugary beverages, etc.) for some time in their lives. In that case, they are being asked to unlearn old behavior and relearn new ones.  In such case, patience and grace are highly recommended to observe consistent behavior change.
<h3>2) Lead By Example</h3>
Research shows youth tend to replicate the behaviors of parents, guardians, and trusting adults in their lives.  If a particular behavior and/or practice is asked of youth, they are more likely to comply if they see the trusted adults in their lives abide by such.  This is not only applicable to nutrition education, but to any concept and behavior you as adults desire youth to learn.
Within this topic, please remember that one of the most significant nuggets of information you can teach youth is a lack of perfection found in every person and admitting when you have made a mistake.  View improved nutritional practices as a journey &#8211; not a sprint &#8211; in which you try to change your quality of life.  In every journey, there are deviations that are allowed, as long as the average continues to improve.
<h3>3) Utilize Existing Resources</h3>
Changing behavior can be challenging.  Fortunately, there are many resources (many published by UF/IFAS faculty and staff) to assist with ideas, tips, and guides for implementing positive nutritional practices (edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/health_and_nutrition).  4-H also has a variety of Healthy Living projects and resources available to youth and families (florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/healthy-living).
<h3>An Additional Consideration…</h3>
Every person deals with varying degrees of mental health – youth included.  Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
<ul>
<li>Youth Stressors</li>
</ul>
Research shows that youth today are enduring increased stress, anxiety, and social pressures (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/anxiety-depression-children.html">www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/anxiety-depression-children.html</a>).
If youth in your life are demonstrating improper nutritional habits, it may not be defiance but a desire for comfort.
<ul>
<li>Lead by Example</li>
</ul>
There are certain seasons with increased societal expectations regarding food.  Examples include November &amp; December holidays, Summer, Spring Break, and additional breaks in which youth may be home from school.
<ul>
<li>Approach to Providing Correction</li>
</ul>
As adults, we must be mindful of our approach to youth demonstrating improper nutritional habits.  Given our correction derives from good intentions, we want to be sure it does not come across as humiliating and degrading to a child.  Constructive criticism is best provided in private, in the absence of stressors, with a solution-driven plan forward.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-1603 aligncenter" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/palmbeachco/files/2022/12/Blog-Picture-2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="581" height="387" />
A guide to youth mental health resources can be found at: <a href="https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health">https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health</a>.
If you would like this information synthesized, please visit the fact sheet on Steps to Provide Nutrition Education to Youth (<a href="http://bit.ly/3YW3JBr">http://bit.ly/3YW3JBr</a>).  If you are you are interested in learning more, please contact your local Extension Office today!

BELLE GLADE, Fla. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Obesity Facts for Children and Adolescents (www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html), the following data has been gathered for individuals aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020:
The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents.
Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.7% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 22.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations.
Obesity prevalence was 26.2% among Hispanic children, 24.8% among non-Hispanic Black children, 16.6% among non-Hispanic White children, and 9.0% among non-Hispanic Asian children.
Obesity-related conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems.
Obesity studies conducted by the CDC focusing on adults reveal that the issue of obesity does not get any better with age, with statistics demonstrating increased prevalence (www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html).

Thus, we can agree that American society has a prevalent nutrition issue. Given that through 4-H programming we aim to provide youth the tools, resources, and knowledge to empower them to live healthy lives, the aforementioned issue is relevant and must be addressed.  Fortunately, in Palm Beach County we have a Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent specializing in nutrition and food safety – Yesenia Rodriguez.  Together, Yesenia and I worked to create the following guide for providing nutrition education to youth:
1) Consider External Influences
What examples are youth observing in their surroundings?  Everyday happenings in their lives (family, school, friends, community functions, sports, time of the year, etc.) heavily influence what youth believe to be normal and acceptable.  If unsure of what external influences are impacting the youth you care about, an excellent way to start is by observing their relationships and interactions – those serve as the basis of their influences.
It is also worth adding prior habits and reinforced behavior as external influences.  Suppose youth have observed and been subject to improper nutritional practices (unhealthy meals and snacks, sugary beverages, etc.) for some time in their lives. In that case, they are being asked to unlearn old behavior and relearn new ones.  In such case, patience and grace are highly recommended to observe consistent behavior change.
2) Lead By Example
Research shows youth tend to replicate the behaviors of parents, guardians, and trusting adults in their lives.  If a particular behavior and/or practice is asked of youth, they are more likely to comply if they see the trusted adults in their lives abide by such.  This is not only applicable to nutrition education, but to any concept and behavior you as adults desire youth to learn.
Within this topic, please remember that one of the most significant nuggets of information you can teach youth is a lack of perfection found in every person and admitting when you have made a mistake.  View improved nutritional practices as a journey – not a sprint – in which you try to change your quality of life.  In every journey, there are deviations that are allowed, as long as the average continues to improve.
3) Utilize Existing Resources
Changing behavior can be challenging.  Fortunately, there are many resources (many published by UF/IFAS faculty and staff) to assist with ideas, tips, and guides for implementing positive nutritional practices (edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/health_and_nutrition).  4-H also has a variety of Healthy Living projects and resources available to youth and families (florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/healthy-living).
An Additional Consideration…
Every person deals with varying degrees of mental health – youth included.  Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
Youth Stressors
Research shows that youth today are enduring increased stress, anxiety, and social pressures (www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/anxiety-depression-children.html).
If youth in your life are demonstrating improper nutritional habits, it may not be defiance but a desire for comfort.
Lead by Example
There are certain seasons with increased societal expectations regarding food.  Examples include November & December holidays, Summer, Spring Break, and additional breaks in which youth may be home from school.
Approach to Providing Correction
As adults, we must be mindful of our approach to youth demonstrating improper nutritional habits.  Given our correction derives from good intentions, we want to be sure it does not come across as humiliating and degrading to a child.  Constructive criticism is best provided in private, in the absence of stressors, with a solution-driven plan forward.

A guide to youth mental health resources can be found at: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health.
If you would like this information synthesized, please visit the fact sheet on Steps to Provide Nutrition Education to Youth (http://bit.ly/3YW3JBr).  If you are you are interested in learning more, please contact your local Extension Office today!

BELLE GLADE, Fla. – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Obesity Facts for Children and Adolescents (www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html), the following data has been gathered for individuals aged 2-19 years in 2017-2020: The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents. Obesity prevalence was 12.7% among 2- […]

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