Helping Families Stretch Their Food Dollar

Early childhood is a critical time for brain development and eating healthy is important for brain development.  Unfortunately, many low income families may have challenges purchasing and preparing healthy foods.  The University of Minnesota Extension has two wonderful programs, Simply Good Eating and Cooking Matters®, early childhood educators, schools, and agencies can partner with to provide nutrition education to low income families.

The first program, Simply Good Eating, provides low income families with education and ideas for fresh, flavorful, low-cost meals along with ways to put more activity into their lives.  Community Nutrition Educators use hands-on activities to provide education on the following topics: menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking skills, easy and tasty meals, keeping food safe, active living, and shopping at Farmers Markets.

Through a partnership established in 2009 between Share our Strength® and University of Minnesota Extension, Cooking Matters® Minnesota empowers families at risk of hunger with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy, delicious and affordable meals.  Watch this short video clip to learn more.

Here is what one mother said after a Simply Good Eating Class, “I’ve learned how to stretch my money for food. I’ve also learned how to cook quick and good tasting meals. I learned to eat some foods from each of the food groups…I know that it’s better to eat food that is colorful and has variety from each group. I really enjoy these classes and had a lot of my questions answered.” — Isanti County mother

Simply Good Eating and Cooking Matters ® courses are available throughout Minnesota.  Group sessions can be held at schools, Head Start, neighborhood grocery store, food shelf, WIC clinic, or Head Start, county Human Services or other community locations.  Classes are free and available for those who meet income guidelines.  See the map to contact your regional Simply Good Eating and Cooking Matters® programs.

Be sure and check out the University of Minnesota Extension’s Health and Nutrition Website for more information and resources.  There is even a “Recipe Box” with great meal ideas!

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Mary Schroeder works for the University of Minnesota Extension which helps to connect community needs with University of Minnesota resources.  Specifically the Health and Nutrition programs and resources focus on disease & obesity prevention, healthy school environments, and continuing education for community professionals.  You can link to the Extension Health and Nutrition website at:  http://www.extension.umn.edu/health/