Web Videos and Nutrition Classes Help Families Eat Healthy on a Budget
July 31, 2014
A new video released by Iowa State University Extension &
Outreach demonstrates that it is possible for families to eat
healthy on a budget. In the video, mothers Andrea and Shelly
explain how a series of eight nutrition classes provided them
with ideas and concrete support in their efforts to improve
their families’ diets without breaking the bank. In 2013, ISU
Extension & Outreach helped more than 80% of the
participants in these classes improve their nutrition and make
their food budgets go farther through the EFNEP and SNAP-
Ed programs.
In addition to the in-person classes, ISU Extension &
Outreach provides nutrition education through the Spend
Smart, Eat Smart website, which includes a section of educational videos demonstrating shopping
tips, food preparation, food safety and storage practices, and easy recipes for nutritious and budget-
friendly meals.
ISU Extension relies on community partners to refer families to the classes and to share the web
videos with people in their networks. ISU is interested in ideas for additional web-content and are
eager to work more closely with food banks and food pantries in Iowa.
Community partners include service providers such as food pantries and WIC clinics, as well as
others who are interested in healthier families in their communities. For example, Andrea was
recruited through the WIC program and Shelly joined after hearing about the program through her
apartment complex.
An especially innovative partnership involved an agency in Linn County which partnered with
Extension to help their clients to eat better and get more exercise. Children receiving care at the
office wanted to play soccer, but the fees to join soccer leagues were a barrier for their families. The
agency arranged to cover league fees for children whose guardians joined the nutrition education
program. Combining nutrition education classes for parents with soccer for kids provided the right mix
of healthy eating and physical activity, helping these families become healthier.
For more information, or to suggest ideas for web-content or partnerships, please contact Christine
Hradek at [email protected] or 515-294-3554.
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