Success Story: A Change Is Gonna Come
Wesley Chapel AME Church in Smithfield, North Carolina has a congregation made up of the very young to the very old. Some of the members suffer with diabetes, heart disease and old aliments that could be controlled through healthy eating and physical activity.
In August 2004, Shelby Sanders asked her pastor, Freda Humphrey if it would be okay for her to begin a Physical Activity and Nutrition Program in her church. Reverend Humphrey not only agreed, but she thought it was a great idea because she felt like the members were eating unhealthfully and this program could offer them some much needed guidance.
Shelby set out to get a committee to help with the program. She ended up with three other persons (including her pastor) who were interested in working with the program: Delores Spellman, Morris Young and Katrina Sanders. She then met with Jamie Pearce, Health Promotions Coordinator for the Johnston County Health Dept. Jamie was happy that she was trying to get this program implemented, because she was beginning to work in the African American churches concerning the area of physical activity and nutrition. You could say the timing was perfect.
"At first, it seem as though no one notice, but now it's expected!"
The Road to Success
A meeting was then set up for the committee to meet with Jamie to see how Wesley Chapel could get started. One project that Jamie was trying to implement in the other churches was a water pitcher policy. This policy simple states that water will be offered at any event that the church will be having. She suggested different projects such as Salad Night, or having members do a little physical activity before/after bible study, and also the possibility of marking off the church ground to create an informal walking trail.
The water pitcher policy was immediately put into effect. At first, it seem as though no one noticed, but now it's expected!
The first chance for the healthy eating to be activated was September after their homecoming service. At first, it was decided that no fried foods would be allowed. They met a lot of resistance from the members and decided that the number of fried foods would be limited to one dish and the amount of fruits and vegetables would be increased. The members felt like that would be something they could adjust to, and did. The homecoming dinner was very successful.
In December, the committee planned a Salad Night during bible study. Everyone was asked to bring a salad and/or fixings for a salad. Participation was good and they had different salads ranging from fruit salad, spinach salad, toss salad to potato salad. Everyone had a chance to do a taste test of the salads. Salad Night was fun and gave the members a chance to show some creativity.
The next project was to host a Families Eating Smart Moving More Training which was held on June 25th. Shelby Sanders went out in the community to see if any of the community organizations would be able to offer any support for this event. The Family Education Service Center, a non profit organization, Walmart, Subway and No. 1 Chinese Food restaurant were the community partners that supported this event by providing food, gift certificates, bags and other items. Although the training was not as well attended as she would have hoped for, the participants that attended were very enthusiastic and excited about the information that was provided.
One thing is for sure, they are not giving up. A change is gonna come at Wesley Chapel AME Church.
Stepping Stones...
Change comes slowly, but if you are willing to try different things, the message of eating healthy and increased physical activity will take place.
Contact Information
Name: Shelby Sanders
Title:
PAN Coordinator
Agency: Wesley Chapel AME Church
Address: 867 Cleveland Road
City, State, Zip: Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone: 919-934-3752
