Nutrition

The Healthy COPS Program

Healthy COPS stands for Childhood Obesity Prevention Staff. This is a group of community individuals interested in reducing the risks of childhood obesity. We want to educate parents and children alike about eating healthier foods and getting regular physical activity. Healthy COPS holds quarterly Family Fun Night events at the McCrorey YMCA where all of the community is invited.

Families Eating Smart Moving More Program

This program is definitely needed in our community. Overweight in children and adults has reached epidemic proportions and is one of our most pressing health issues. Families need simple solutions to help them eat better and get more exercise. This four-part series of classes educates families to eat more meals at home, eat healthy when dining out, get on a regular exercise routine and watch less TV.

The Winner's Circle Healthy Dining Program

The Winner's Circle Healthy Dining Program was implemented to increase consumption of low fat and reduced sodium fruits, vegetables, and whole grains by labeling menu items that meet nutrition guidelines. Nutrition education interventions and marketing strategies are performed to increase consumer demand and consumption of the Winner's Circle healthy items. Restaurants and faith-based organizations in the area are encouraged to adopt the Winner’s Circle Program to assist their patrons with better food choices.

Nutrition Education Programs

The REACH 2010 Nutritionist provides grocery store tours, community cooking demonstrations and nutrition counseling to both groups and individuals. The Lay Health Advisors are also trained in grocery shopping tours, reading food labels, and healthy cooking. Lay Health Advisors aid in distributing flyers to the community regarding upcoming nutrition events.

Community centers, medical clinic, senior centers, and churches serve as community locations where routine nutrition programs meet (see Calendar of Events for details). The University Park Neighborhood Farmers' Market, held in the summer months, is another venue where healthy cooking skills and recipe modification is taught to individuals.