Interview with
Regina Meno, Nutrition/Program Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension in Hamden, NY

What prompted you to be an advocate and champion of children’s health?
I have always been interested in health and fitness. Growing up I was extremely active. Having studied nutrition in college, and after having four children of my own, I realized the importance of proper nutrition from day one. The childhood obesity epidemic has been my primary focus for the past several years.

When did you adopt the CATCH Program and what prompted you to do so?
In Sidney we adopted CATCH in August of 2008. In Charlotte-Valley we did so in September of 2009. Through the grant I am working on called, Eat Well Play Hard, New York State has recognized the overwhelming number of overweight children and is trying to combat this epidemic.  By adopting wellness programs and getting CATCH into the schools, we are slowly making a difference in these children’s lives.     

Describe notable changes since implementing CATCH and how you know CATCH is working.
I have noticed changes in the cafeteria menus - they color code all student menus with the Go, Slow, Whoa foods. Teachers have incorporated CATCH principles into their everyday lesson plans, students are bringing in healthier snacks, and the wellness team has adopted a new policy to promote healthier lifestyles. More families are walking to school and becoming more physically active as well.

What are the keys to your success? 
Major keys are getting the entire school on board, including the superintendent, principal, all staff, and parents. Conducting monthly CATCH assemblies helps to keep the “CATCH” spirit alive, and inviting parents to attend has been a big help. Holding monthly CATCH meetings and setting up goals for each month and year has also helped to keep enthusiasm up.

What advice can you offer for those just beginning and for those who have already implemented the CATCH Program.
You need to have a CATCH champion who is committed, as well as faculty and staff who are excited about the program. Having almost the entire staff at each school attend the trainings has been a big help. We found that the teachers who did not attend were less enthusiastic about the program.

What was your most significant barrier and how did you overcome the challenge?
Trying to get the cafeteria staff members to buy into providing healthier foods was difficult at one of the schools. We had to help them realize that with a little effort, providing an option of healthier foods was not as expensive as they thought. We would also like to develop a better Evaluation Tool to get actual numbers or outcomes to demonstrate concrete proof that the program is definitely helping to improve the well being of our students.

What has been the reaction from parents, administration, students and community?
In the past year, I have heard that everyone loves the program.

What are your plans for the future?  What is your CATCH vision?
We hope to continue with the CATCH assemblies as well as the walking clubs we have started. I would like to see food from our garden incorporated into the school lunch menus. Annual health fairs and “Eat Your Veggies Week” were also big successes that we hope to continue.

Anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to share my experiences with the CATCH Program.

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