The Problem
At BVFB our goal is to end hunger in the Brazos Valley. A major part of reaching that goal is educating our community on healthy eating habits. Our Nutrition Education Program offers free nutrition classes to low-income individuals by partnering with organizations and agencies in our community. Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are becoming increasingly common. However, these nutrition-related diseases can be prevented by making healthier choices. Balanced nutrition and regular exercise are some of the most powerful ways to positively impact your health.
According to Feeding America, healthy bodies and minds require nutritious meals at every age, but when people don’t have enough food or have to choose inexpensive foods with low nutritional value, it can seriously impact their health. Once the cycle of poor diet and poor health begins, it can be hard to break.
The Solution
We offer a variety of nutrition education classes to organizations serving low-income populations in Madison, Robertson, Burleson, Brazos, Washington, and Grimes counties. Classes are offered at several locations varying from schools to senior centers, public housing, and other nonprofits. Our audience ranges from young children to older adults and seniors, and all ages in between. We use the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate recommendations to help people make healthy eating choices. We focus on disease prevention and support our clients through the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our classes give people the information and skills they need to make healthy changes. All classes are completely FREE to sites and those in attendance.
The Impact
The Brazos Valley Food Bank's Nutrition Education Program has made a significant impact on the community by promoting healthier eating habits and preventing nutrition-related diseases. The program serves a wide range of age groups, from young children to seniors, fostering a community-wide approach to health and wellness. This inclusive strategy ensures that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the education provided. Overall, the Nutrition Education Program plays a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of the Brazos Valley community by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Last year, the Brazos Valley Food Bank's Nutrition Education Team served 741 individuals, by holding 99 nutrition classes, providing valuable education on healthy eating habits. Additionally, they distributed 190 pounds of fresh produce, ensuring that those in need had access to nutritious food options.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. For more information about SNAP and how to apply, visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
Please follow this link for the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement | Food and Nutrition Service
Dive Deeper into BVFB's Nutrition Education Program
Learn More Below!
We have a variety of nutrition topics for adults, that can be taught as either a series or a stand-alone class. Let us know the needs of your program and we will find a curriculum that works for you.
Topics include:
- Nutrition through pregnancy: This class emphasizes important nutrition and exercise recommendations for a healthy pregnancy.
- Healthy eating on a budget: This class focuses on strategies to maximize your dollar at the grocery store for healthy food.
- Challenges and solutions to a healthy lifestyle: This class addresses barriers to healthy eating and getting exercise, and ways to overcome them.
- Family meals & cooking with kids: This class focuses on the importance of family meals to build relationships with your children and how to include your children in the cooking process.
We offer fun, interactive lessons for elementary and middle school-aged students, free of charge. BVFB's Nutrition Education team gives kids the information and skills they need to make healthy changes. Our program uses the CATCH Kids Club (CKC) curriculum. These interactive lessons were created for kids 5-11 years old. CKC uses fun games and activities to teach kids about physical activity and nutrition. These lessons are so much fun! Each lesson includes a new physical activity game. We want every student to feel like part of the team!
Locations By County
Brazos: Anson Jones Elementary, Fanin Elementary, Henderson Elementary, Kemp Carver Elementary, Neal Elementary, Riverbend Elementary & Headstart, The Huntington College Station, 7th Day Adventist Church, Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, Boys & Girls Club Bryan, Brazos County Health Services District, Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network, Bryan Housing Authority, Bryan WIC, Clara B. Mounce Public Library, Elizabeth House Maternity Home, Highland Villas, Hope Pregnancy, Larry J. Ringer Public Library, Lincoln Recreation Center, Norty Bryan Community Center, Southgate Village Apartments, Triumphant Trends AMG at North Bryan Comunity Center, Brazos Valley Health Coalition, Bryan SHAC, 12th Can
Burleson: Caldwell Elementary & Intermediate, Snook Elementary, Somerville Senior Center, Boys & Girls Club Caldwell
Grimes: Brule Elementary, Navasota Head Start, Gold Club at Navasota Center, Grimes Health Resouces Center, Northwood Apartments, Navasota SHAC
Madison: North Zulch Elementary, Madison Health Resources Center, Restoration Community Gardens, North Zulch SHAC
Robertson: Smith-Welch Memorial Library, Franklin Food Pantry
Washington: Brenham Head Start, Belle Towers, Brenham Senior Center, Bluebonnet Haven, Brenham Housing Authority, Washington County Food Security Coalition, Burton Bridge Ministries
