Healthy Eating in a Boys and Girls Club Afterschool Programme: Barriers, Facilitators, and Opportunities
Health Education Journal Jul 2020
Children at the Boys & Girls Club in Rochester face significant challenges to healthy eating, with nearly half classified as overweight or obese and many falling short of basic nutrition guidelines. Through RHCP’s Club Fit initiative, youth, staff, and caregivers shared insights into barriers like limited access to fresh food, time constraints, and the appeal of junk food. Members described how stress, boredom, and lack of knowledge influenced their choices, while staff and caregivers pointed to affordability and availability issues. Despite these challenges, all groups expressed strong interest in promoting healthier habits and identified opportunities for change within the Club environment.
Suggestions from participants emphasized the importance of adult role modeling, structured nutrition programs, and engaging activities like gardening and cooking. Members wanted more variety and better presentation of healthy foods, while caregivers asked for practical support like recipes and communication about Club meals. Staff highlighted the need for resources and training to support nutrition education and family engagement. Together, these perspectives support a multi-layered approach to improving dietary habits, combining individual education, supportive relationships, and environmental changes to address health disparities among underserved youth.