Category: Cooperative Extension
Working with Communities to Impact Health
May 09, 2024 Written by Gina Crist, Community Health Specialist - Health & Well-being Program Leader
An individual’s health is a combination of clinical, environmental and societal factors. In fact, the majority of an individual’s health is impacted by things outside of the doctor’s office. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension works across the state with partners to address some of the things in our communities that may enhance health.
Delawareans Improving Health
UD Cooperative Extension also builds the knowledge of Delawareans on how they may be able to make choices that will improve short and long-term health. Some examples of ways in which we do this include:
Assisting community locations (some which serve adults and others children, like schools) in developing community gardens that provide fruits and vegetables to residents.
Working with the Farm and Food Policy Council to support farm-to-table initiatives, bringing local produce to community centers, pantries and retail sites for purchase
Increasing the knowledge of how to use local, fresh produce and items received through food pantries to achieve a healthy diet
Increasing skills in meal planning and budget management
Improving the knowledge of the mind and body connection through stress management and nutrition
Providing physical activity and social support opportunities through walking programs
Increasing the knowledge of individuals and support systems on how to manage diabetes and heart health
Increasing skills in managing mental well-being
Increasing skills in money management and wealth building
Increasing knowledge of adult vaccinations
Working with partners to deliver ServSafe certification to ensure industry workers have the knowledge and skills needed to serve safe food
Individuals in programming have shared some of the following successes:
Trying a food item for the first time
Decreasing the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed
Loving having social support and a dedicated time for physical activity, feeling better overall
Applying for scholarships that they were not aware of previously
Passing the ServSafe exam
Having tools in their toolbox to manage stress
We work to address health in a holistic way, aiming to meet people where they are and assist them in whatever dimension of health that they feel they need to enhance. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, please visit our website: www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/nutrition-wellness/