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/

 

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.