The science of nutrition is clear: good eating habits can have positive effects on health and wellbeing. Good nutrition has often been linked to lower blood pressure, lower risk for diabetes and heart disease, longer life expectancy, and improved academic performance. Committed to improving the lives of our neighbors and building a healthier Tampa Bay, our nutrition education programs focus on diet, cooking, and shopping tips!
Nutrition and Chronic Disease: The Right Foods for You
Healthy food choices can have powerful effects, especially for those suffering from diet-related illness. Reference the guides below to find nutritious tips designed to improve your wellbeing.
Diabetes or Uncontrolled Sugar Levels
A diet rich in high fiber vegetables and fruits as well as grains and lean proteins can help with the management of sugar levels.
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
A diet with limited processed foods and higher amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are key to managing high blood pressure.
High Body Mass Index or High Body Fat
Portion control while practicing a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help improve BMI and maintain a healthy weight.
Buy more fruits and veggies with SNAP
Maximize your SNAP Dollars
Farmers Markets
Use Fresh Access Bucks at a participating local farmer’s market and double the purchasing power of your SNAP benefits.
Groceries on the Go
Buy groceries on the go at our mobile grocery store and use SNAP dollars to buy more produce.
Education in the Community
Nutrition Nudges
The Feeding Minds program brings food pantries to school grounds, providing easy access to healthy groceries for families in need. Our Nutrition Education team holds classes at school pantries before distribution. Classes consist of 2 15-minute lessons on Healthy Eating and Food Safety. Feeding Minds also uses food demonstrations as a tool to give parents practical ways to prepare food they choose from the pantry. Recipes supplement the demonstration and are accessible at the school pantries.
Nutrition Kitchen
Our fully-equipped mobile kitchen brings cooking demonstrations, taste tests, and recipes directly into the communities we serve. The Nutrition Kitchen offers the opportunity for families to try recipes made with the foods distributed at our pantries that they may not have tried before or unveil new ways of cooking pantry staples! Our Nutrition team is available to bring interactive cooking and healthy eating demonstrations to you!
