Food, Nutrition and Health Programs
Why is nutrition important?
Of the 10 leading sources of death in the U.S., five causes are linked to diet. Cooperative Extension programs are designed to help individuals to choose healthy food choices and to lead a physically active lifestyle.
Designed for people with diabetes and their family members. These classes will include diabetes education, cooking demonstrations, and tasting of healthy foods.
Following a careful meal plan is the first and hardest step in controlling blood sugar. This program helps individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes learn strategies to manage the disease through menu planning, carbohydrate counting, portion control and label reading. By taste testing healthy recipes, participants will see that you don’t have to give up good tasting food if diabetic.
EFNEP is a Federal Extension (community outreach) program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA), EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.
Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Through Diet – explores possible linkages between eating specific foods and development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The one hour program explores the linkage between diet and brain health. Strategies to prevent onset of Alzheimer’s disease are reviewed. Class time can be expanded to include food demonstrations and taste testing.
To set up a class, contact your local county extension office.
For more information, visit the Alzheimer's Association website.
With two age-dependent versions, this program features ways to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Two programs, one for youth and one for parents of preschool and school aged children, are available. The topics are similar; however, the format differs slightly. The program describes osteoporosis and its development. Tactics for reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis are explored. Emphasis is placed on increasing the consumption of calcium and vitamin D (especially dairy products) during childhood and increasing weight-bearing exercise.
To set up a class, contact your local county extension office.
This fun, interactive program is designed for middle-school age youth to address the rising concerns about obesity. Topics covered during the series of lessons include portion distortion, body image, selecting healthy fast foods, importance of eating breakfast and being physically active.
To set up a class, contact your local county extension office.
Learn more about physical activity, nutrition and obesity prevention on the Delaware Health and Social Services website.
By the end of the day, most people are frazzled and do not want to think about preparing dinner. This workshop will help you discover ways to provide healthy meals without stress. Three sessions (2 1/2 hours each) include:
- Making Quick Work of Meal Time;
- Quick and Delicious One Pot Meals; and
- Microwave Magic.
To set up a class, contact your local county extension office.
For more information, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.
The Mindful Movement Series is an interactive group-based stress management program through UD Cooperative Extension.
Our 4-H Youth Development program has additional resources, which can help educate youth on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.