Healthy Eating

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While it's widely known that eating a healthy diet protects against heart disease, cancer and obesity, many Washtenaw County residents struggle to eat nutritious foods. The HP/DP Division provides a variety of nutrition services through a mix of funding sources including the Michigan Nutrition Network, Michigan Department of Community Health, and the Kresge Foundation. Our emphasis is on connecting people with healthy food resources, providing information on the benefits of eating healthier, providing skills to build self-efficacy, and motivating people to change their eating behaviors.

 

Education for Low-Income Audiences (SNAP-ed) 

Washtenaw County Public Health (WCPH) provides direct nutrition education for low-income residents at food pantries, public housing facilities, farmers' markets and other venues.  Nutrition education is focused on those who receive Food Stamps (also known as SNAP) or are eligible to receive Food Stamps.  Funding is provided by the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Michgian Nutrition Network.  For more information contact Amanda Naugle at naugle@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 544-2973.farmers market

 

Prescription for Health

Funded by the Kresge Foundation, the Prescription for Health Program connects patients at medical clinics to their local farmers' market.  Participants receive nutrition education and support in both the clinic setting and at farmers' markets.  In 2011, the program will include 5 clinics in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers' Market and Westside Ann Arbor Farmers' Markets.  For more information contact Jenna Bacolor at bacolorj@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 544-2969.

 

Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH

Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH provides low income seniors and disabled adults with coupons to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables at their local farmers' markets.  Washtenaw County Public Health (WCPH) receives a limited number of SPF coupon booklets from the State of Michigan Office of Services to the Aging.  For more information, contact Jenna Bacolor at bacolorj@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 544-2969.  Please note that all Senior Project Fresh coupons Washtenaw County Public Health received for 2011 have been distributed.  Click here for a 2011 program summary containing more detailed information and results.

 

Farm to School

Farm to School programs connect schools (K-12) and local farms with the objective of serving fresh locally grown produce as part of the school meals program through the school cafeterias.  Improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education, and supporting local and regional farmers are all part of a successful farm to school program.  Health Promotion /Disease Prevention staff sit on Farm to School Committees in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public School Districts. For more information, contact Jenna Bacolor at bacolorj@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 544-2969.  

 

For additional information on healthy eating, please visit the following websites:

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