Healthy Cooking Initiative

There is a clear need for dietary intervention in patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, and childhood obesity. Teaching patients about healthy eating habits to address their condition can be time consuming and overlooked by healthcare providers in a short office visit. In partnership with the Western Colorado Community College (WCCC) Culinary Program, we have developed the Healthy Cooking Initiative Program to provide free monthly cooking classes for the community where we discuss healthy cooking and eating on a budget.

Each class is directed by a Colorado Mesa University Physician Assistant (PA) Student who will educate the participants about dietary approaches to managing specific diseases or nutritional needs, along with methods for healthy meal shopping and cooking. In addition, classes will include instruction from the culinary students from WCCC on food preparation and kitchen safety. The goal of this program is to become an ongoing nutrition and educational resource for those in the community with chronic disease.

Find us on the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Map! https://teachingkitchens.org/map-fim/

Funding

We are able to provide these classes free of cost thanks to the PA Foundation IMPACT Grant and the Be the C.H.A.N.G.E. Grant! The PA Foundation IMPACT Grant Program provides funding to encourage and support PA and PA student involvement in programs that improve health and community-based health projects that demonstrate an impact on patient health outcomes. The Be the C.H.A.N.G.E. Grant is intended to encourage and support volunteerism, service-learning, and other mechanisms that allow PAs to leverage their knowledge and skills to positively impact their communities.

The Healthy Cooking Initiative offers a monthly cooking class open to the general public, lasting approximately 2 hours. Each class is focused on nutrition, meal prepping, and cooking skills. On a rotating basis, the following classes are offered:

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common conditions in America and can have a significant impact on an individual's health. Thankfully, diabetes is a condition that can be well managed with a healthy diet. This is why education on healthy cooking and diabetic friendly diets are so critical and is what this class will focus on. In this class, we will provide the participants with the education and tools necessary to make a diabetic diet enjoyable and sustainable, cook a variety of delicious diabetic friendly meals, and have fun while doing it.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a serious medical diagnosis that can cause many medical problems for patients. Luckily, it can be well managed with a diet low in sodium. Cooking and eating without high amounts of sodium can seem daunting, but this class will teach you how to make easy and delicious food that will have you feeling great and managing your hypertension.

Cooking with Kids

Childhood obesity is on the rise due to increased accessibility to fast food and busy lifestyles. In this 3 hour class we will discuss healthy food options for children and how to involve children in the food preparation and cooking process. This class is designed for you and your child! Come learn about healthy cooking and share a meal with us.

View Schedule and REGISTER

The Healthy Cooking Initiative will follow CDC and local guidelines for COVID precautions. The kitchen is cleaned thoroughly before and after each class and basic sanitation and safety practices will be followed. Masks will be provided for those who need them. You will be cooking meals in your family units and we will share a socially distanced meal at the end of class. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us via email.