Florida Nutrition Education Programs in the News
Florida Nutrition Education, a program of Feeding Florida and in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families, aims to provide SNAP Nutrition Education in every county in the state. As the food banks developed and launched their programs, they created innovative ways to reach families, used specialized curriculum to help teach about cooking and nutrition, and provided valuable information about cost saving, nutrition labels, and more.
We’re proud of the hard work the nutrition education teams at each food bank have taken on this past year and share the following news clips as a sampling of their innovative and life-changing efforts.
All Faiths Food Bank – Tampa Bay Newswire
All Faiths Food Bank, the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, has been awarded a state contract, along with eight other Feeding Florida food banks and organizations, for the SNAP-Ed program. This program provides nutrition education and obesity prevention services, utilizing various strategies to encourage voluntary adoption of healthy food and physical activity choices.
The SNAP-Ed curriculum includes innovative programs such as “Cooking Matters,” focusing on teaching parents of young children how to shop smarter, make healthier choices, and cook affordable, delicious meals. Additionally, “Food Smarts,” a trauma-informed intervention developed by Leah’s Pantry, supports healthy behavior change for adults in areas like healthy eating, food safety, cooking, food waste reduction, and food resource management.
For more information about All Faiths Food Bank and to read the full article visit: https://www.tampabaynewswire.com/2023/05/18/all-faiths-food-bank-launches-expanded-nutrition-education-effort-119089
Second Harvest Food Bank-Medium/Authority Magazine
Doreen Bevans is a nutrition educator for the SNAP-Ed program at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and is passionate about community nutrition. Doreen has been teaching for over six years, emphasizing the importance of early nutrition education to prevent health comorbidities. Her most compelling career story involves a participant who, after attending a nutrition education series, reported a remarkable reduction in medications for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This impactful experience reinforced Doreen’s belief in the power of good nutrition and exercise to positively impact lifestyle diseases.
In this article, Doreen shares insights into understanding food labels. Drawing from a rich background in analyzing food labels during college, she emphasizes the importance of checking serving sizes, calorie content, nutrient lists, percent Daily Value (% DV), and Front of Package (FOP) labels. Looking ahead, Doreen anticipates trends such as total calories on fast-food menus and simplified ingredient lists, making it easier for consumers to comprehend and choose healthier options.
For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank and to read the full article visit: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/decoding-the-diet-doreen-bevans-on-how-to-read-food-labels-to-truly-understand-what-is-in-your-b0595cc5f5cc
Feeding Tampa Bay- ABC Action News (WFTS Tampa Bay)
Feeding Tampa Bay is revolutionizing access to healthy eating with its new mobile nutrition education program. With over a hundred classes scheduled this month alone, the organization is taking vital nutrition knowledge directly to communities in need. Samantha Wholley, Assistant Director of the SNAP Nutrition Education Program, emphasized the critical role of education in empowering individuals to make healthier choices, especially in areas where access to nutritious food is limited. The program addresses various topics, including nutrition, healthy eating habits, reading food labels, and maximizing food resources.
Rural areas often face challenges in accessing fresh produce and nutritious food options, making them potential food deserts. Through initiatives like Feeding Tampa Bay’s mobile education program, communities receive essential resources to bridge these gaps and promote healthier lifestyles. Participants have already experienced significant transformations in their dietary habits and overall well-being.
For more information about Feeding Tampa Bay and to read the full article visit:
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pasco/eating-mangoes-at-64-a-unique-food-class-inspires-healthy-eating
