Nutrition, Consumer, and Family Sciences

Promoting wellness

One of our priority issues this past year was helping people become more aware of the relationship between diabetes and other chronic diseases, like heart disease, stroke, etc. Dining with Diabetes, Eating Well with Diabetes, and the Eating Well with Diabetes Reunion were conducted this year. Each featured information, cooking demonstrations, recipes, and taste testing. Each was well-attended and successful.

The Diabetes Life Lines newsletter provideed the medical perspective, exercise as a part of life, medication update, news & resources, and recipes to try on a bi-monthly basis.

Our office also participates in the Family Nutrition Program (FNP). This program was designed to provide nutrition and food safety information to food stamp recipients. Over 190 lessons were presented to 4,769 youth and adults. The lessons included the topics of MyPyramid, Healthy Snacks, Breakfast, Fruits and Vegetables, Dairy, Cooking with Commodities, and others. Lessons were conducted at various sites including the Health Department, schools, Senior Citizens Center, Carrollton Township Building, and others.

A federal grant and in-kind contributions provided for a part-time coordinator and program support. In-kind contributions were received from local schools, Greene County Health Department, Greene County and U of I Extension, and other tax supported agencies.