Today we launched a new program – Everyday Food Smarts – in collaboration with the SD Domestic Violence Council and SD HHSA. This program was a variation on our Food Smarts Training Program. We took apart our curriculum and reassembled it to be used throughout an organization’s existing programming in a coordinated way by staff members. Breaking our activities and discussions apart from a workshop setting is a great solution for organizations who want nutrition and health to be a priority, but who are hesitant to add another program to the mix.
We had 14 participants from a wide variety of DV and non-DV agencies. YWCA, Crisis House, City Heights Assembly of God, South Bay SDA, IRC, San Ysidro Health Center, South Bay Community Services, Women’s Resource Center, and Shakti Rising were all in attendance. Participants were given basic nutrition information by Ruthi Solari of SD HHSA and then taken through several activities from the toolkit as well as given an overview of how organizations can intentionally and strategically empower their clients without adding programming, or taking a lot of extra time.
As usual, we snacked and lunched – putting the participants in charge of Quinoa Veggie Salad, Hummus and Veggie Wraps, Oat Bran Banana Muffins, and Spinach, Orange, and Cranberry Salad. Delicious!
I had a great time – and we plan on offering this programming more regularly. Our only change will be a slightly longer format. I think the ideal length would be a full day instead of only a morning!