A partnership between MSU Extension and the YMCA of Greater Flint is bringing nutrition education to Flint youth and their families through nationally accredited programming.
Starting last January, a full, multi-month calendar of free six-week learning courses focused on eating healthy, food preparation, nutrition and budget friendly shopping will empower hundreds of youth and their families to make positive lifestyle changes. Thanks to a recent Michigan State University Extension and YMCA collaboration funded by the Michigan Department of Education, programming will be offered at all YMCA Safe Places sites showing participants that eating healthy can be affordable, delicious and fun.
“MSU Extension continues to look for partnerships that benefit our community and are pleased to work with the YMCA to bring a healthy lifestyle to our residents,” says Shane Jackson, Nutrition Program Associate, MSU Extension.
The YMCA of Greater Flint recently received funding from the Michigan Department of Education to implement quality nutrition programming within the greater Flint community to meet an overwhelming need. “Meeting the needs of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child is a priority for MDE as we strive to become a Top 10 education state in 10 years,” said State Superintendent Brian Whiston, “we are happy to support the work of these partners in the Flint community.”
While “Show Me Nutrition” and “Teen Cuisine” will target youth grades K-12, “Cooking Matters” will target adults, so that eating healthy is a lifestyle adopted by all within a household. Each course will be led by a nutrition educator and will include exciting take home material that will allow healthy living to continue outside of the classroom.
“This collaboration teaches kids and their families how to cook healthy and affordable meals. We are intentionally connecting them to nutrition programs in a place and space where they live, learn and play,” says Moses Bingham, YMCA Safe Places Director.
“Cooking Matters,” “Show Me Nutrition” and “Teen Cuisine” have all been featured by past First Lady, Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign and recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for excellence in nutrition education. Lessons include, but are not limited to, how to read food labels, how to identify proper portion sizes, how to use MyPlate guidelines to plan meals and snacks, how to use safe food handling practices as well as how to use cooking and measuring techniques to prepare recipes.
“The family nutrition concept is focused on teaching limited-resource families and youth how to make healthier food choices and become better managers of available resources,” states Liz Josaitis, Nutrition Program Associate at MSU Extension.
For additional information regarding the YMCA Safe Places program, contact Moses Bingham at 810.232.9622.
About YMCA of Greater Flint
The Mission of the YMCA of Greater Flint is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Since 1879, the YMCA of Greater Flint (which includes Downtown Branch, Pierson Road Branch and Camp Copneconic) focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
About Michigan State University Extension
Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge of resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower our children to dream of a successful future.
