St. Lawrence County

2007 Community Assessment Results

Sample Size

• 267Community Opinion Surveys from residents utilizing the WIC, Head Start, and Neighborhood Center services.

•  28 Community Opinion Surveys from parents attending Canton , Massena, and Potsdam Library toddler story time hours.

•  6 Surveys from parents attending a nutrition workshop at a local day care center.

• 35 Key Informant questionnaires from County Legislators, 18 school districts, and day care providers as well as health and social service providers.

336 total surveys

Findings

Participants were asked to choose three items in need of change in order to make thier family more physically active.

1. Having more safe playgrounds and parks in all areas of the County, especially the smaller towns (55%)
2. More safe places to walk and ride bikes (walking trails, marked routes, and sidewalks) (50%)
3. Having free or low-cost family activity programs (48%)
4. Getting families to watch less TV and be more active (40%)

Other ideas for getting more phsysically active included having free or low cost family activities in the community as another way to get families more active. (33%)

Participants were asked to choose three items in need of change to help thier family eat more vegetables, fruits, and low-fat diary products.

1. More healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in vending machines and convenience stores (52%)
2. Offer more fresh fruits and vegetables at day cares and schools (49%)
3. More information about cheap and healthy foods in grocery stores (47%)
4. Offer more farmers markets in other communities (38%)
5. Plant vegetable gardens in neighborhood. (37%)

Other Survey Highlights  

1. 80% of people surveyed said they would attend organized events about physical activity and healthy eating if they were held at parks.
2. Schools were another place people would attend organized events. (68%)