Nutrition Connections

Nutrition Connections works with youth to develop into healthy adults by teaching them to make healthy choices and be more physically active. Trained staff provide up-to-date information and share it through hands-on learning activities.

In FY2017 we reached more than 5,300 youth throughout the state with our nutrition lessons. We work with schools and other youth groups that have the highest percentage of youth eligible for free and reduced price meals.

Our lessons teach the importance of:

Making smart choices from every food group.

Making physical activity a part of daily life.

Practicing food safety as it relates to food handling.

The lessons also support and encourage eating breakfast. Children have the opportunity to taste new foods.

Here’s what children say about the program:

"I never would have tried this if I hadn’t made it."

"This tastes better than it looks."

"I didn’t think I’d like stuff, but it’s pretty good. Can I take some home for my mom to try?"

"If I just saw this on the table I would never have eaten it."

Nutrition Connections provides nutrition education at no cost to low-income families with children and seniors. We reach people through group or individual meetings. Adults with children and seniors who receive SNAP, WIC, CSFP, TANF, or SSI automatically qualify.

We motivate and empower you and your family to:

• Save money at the grocery store
• Plan and cook quick, tasty and low-cost meals
• Eat healthier
• Prevent foodborne illness
• Understand food labels
• Make physical activity a part of everyday

Here’s what adult participants say about the program:

"I have prepared a snack cabinet and a refrigerator drawer for healthy items."

"The program saved me $25 on one trip to the grocery store because I used the store flyer and didn’t give into impulse buying."

"I didn’t realize homemade food was cheaper than prepared food."