National Nutrition Month contribution by guest blogger, Shawn Paton, Director, Community Building & Investments, United Way of Pierce County
There is a growing body of evidence that supports the theory
that when people eat well, they stay healthier and are better able to control
chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease or perhaps avoid them altogether.
Those who are food insecure are more likely to develop chronic diseases, which means higher health care costs for both insurers and individuals.
The problem with healthy eating, particularly for those who are food insecure, is that healthy foods are not easily accessible and/or are not affordable. Even for those who have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, some lack the right tools, skills and knowledge to prepare healthy meals.
Those who are food insecure are more likely to develop chronic diseases, which means higher health care costs for both insurers and individuals.
The problem with healthy eating, particularly for those who are food insecure, is that healthy foods are not easily accessible and/or are not affordable. Even for those who have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, some lack the right tools, skills and knowledge to prepare healthy meals.
That's why United Way of Pierce County works with food bank partners,
the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Washington State University
Extension’s SNAP Ed team and Emergency Food Network for Colorful Cooking Made
Easy, a nutrition education program designed to help those who struggle
with food insecurity eat healthier. Trained volunteers do cooking
demonstrations at food banks with the fresh produce,
allowing visitors to try what they have prepared. Food bank visitors are able
to watch how easy it is to prepare a healthy meal and possibly try something
new. Trained volunteers also teach cooking classes and lead grocery store
tours, helping participants with meal planning, shopping on a budget,
understanding nutrition and developing cooking skills.
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| Colorful Cooking Demonstration |
Last month, we partnered with a
Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Bethel High School and Cooking Matters
to host the very first Colorful Cooking 6-week series for students. A trained
volunteer leads the class, teaching students cooking skills and nutrition
information tailored to fit their interests and needs. Students attending the
class will bring home a bag filled with the ingredients for what they prepared
in class each week to practice the recipes at home and also promote the healthy
eating with family members.
We are looking for opportunities to host Colorful
Cooking classes at locations where there is a high need for healthy food and
nutrition education but with limited resources, with a focus on caregivers to
children from birth-5 years old. This is a crucial developmental stage for
young children. Promoting healthy eating with caregivers will have a positive
impact on their own health along with creating a healthy food environment for
the kids in their care.
To
find out more about Colorful Cooking Made Easy, visit our volunteer opportunity site .
