Improving life through better nutrition

Tiara, a single mother from Willoughby, was a participant in Lifeline’s Supportive Housing Program. She was encouraged by her Family Advocate to attend a series of three nutrition classes during the summer of 2016.

The partnership between Lifeline and the OSU Extension office provides low income families the opportunity to learn about practical ways to eat healthier. Tiara attended her first class and was surprised that she could learn so much in a limited time. The 45 minute classes are aimed to focus on the most important aspects of improving health through better nutrition. Class discussions include how to include a variety of produce choices in a meal, calculating proportions, and reading labels. Upon completion of each class, Tiara was provided a $10 farmers market voucher to purchase produce at one of the participating farmers markets in Lake County.

“The variety of class times worked within my schedule and I really enjoyed the cookbook,” Tiara stated.

She shared that the best class was when the instructor taught the participants about how to store fruits and vegetables so they last longer.

“This was important to me because I could preserve the produce I purchased and it would last longer,”
Tiara commented.

Tiara would recommend the nutrition classes to anyone looking for a simple way to learn about making small changes that can make people healthier and the opportunity to use local produce from the farmers markets.