(ND Ag Connection) – 4-H’ers from clubs in 16 counties throughout North Dakota were recognized for incorporating nutrition, fitness and health activities into their club meetings in 2022-2023.

The 34 clubs, with a total of 727 members, earned the special recognition of being “healthy clubs” by meeting the criteria, which include having healthful snacks, learning about nutrition and physical activity, having food demonstrations during meetings and doing community service. Some clubs earned extra recognition for completing the Family Mealtime Challenge.

For example, the Moon Lake 4-H Club, a 15-member club from Stutsman County, built raised garden beds placed in front of the Stutsman County office. They also made fleece tie blankets for a pet-rescue program and did a drive to collect baby items, such as, diapers and wipes.

The program also provided leadership opportunities for teenage 4-H’ers. The teens can serve as role models for younger members.

To earn the Healthy North Dakota 4-H Club recognition, clubs are required to incorporate at least one nutrition or fitness activity into a minimum of six regular meetings during the year.

“Clubs did a wide range of community service, and teen leaders served as mentors for younger club members,” says Julie Garden-Robinson, North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and Healthy North Dakota 4-H Clubs program coordinator. “Some clubs did a family mealtime challenge, where they took steps to eat with their families more often, which can have numerous benefits.”

“4-H programs can make a difference for the club members as well as their families, and this is a record-setting year for youth involvement in the program,” she added.

Some clubs were in their first year as “healthy club” and some clubs have participated 15 years. Each club member received a certificate of recognition and a small prize.

The clubs recognized this year are listed by county, number of members and number of years they have received recognition. Twelve Healthy North Dakota 4-H Clubs were recognized for completing the month-long Family Mealtime Challenge, and participating clubs reported 1,896 family mealtimes. Eating together as a family is linked to better school performance, healthier meals and less risk behavior.