Weld’s Healthy Plate is a cooking-based nutrition education program designed to teach low-income families how to prepare healthy, tasty meals on a limited budget. Professional chefs and nutrition educators volunteer their time and expertise to lead hands-on courses that show adults and families how to purchase and prepare nutritious foods in healthy, safe and tasty ways. This can mean the difference between feeding families for just one night and ensuring they have the knowledge, skills and resources to prepare healthy meals for a lifetime.
The nutrition instructor serves as a teacher and role model, reinforcing key messages about healthy eating and inspiring participants to adopt lifelong healthy habits.
Teach low-income participants basic healthy eating and food budgeting concepts according to each lesson’s objectives. Curriculum is provided by Weld’s Healthy Plate through an instructor manual. Topics include eating from MyPlate food groups, choosing more fruits and vegetables, incorporating whole grains, planning balanced meals, reading food labels, avoiding sugary drinks and making budget-friendly choices at the store.
Facilitate class discussions on each topic, allowing participants to brainstorm how to put new behaviors into action, discuss barriers to adopting those behaviors and share ideas with peers for overcoming challenges.
Select and lead hands-on activities that help participants practice key skills and gain confidence implementing new healthy behaviors. The Healthy Plate Instructor Guide includes an activity bank with a variety of options, and Weld’s Healthy Plate staff provide additional teaching resources.
Education or experience in health or nutrition. Qualified dietitians, students, interns and individuals in closely related fields are welcome.
Interest and comfort in working with low-income individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Comfort speaking in front of groups (average class size is 10 participants).
Ability to travel to class locations.
Willingness to be trained on Weld’s Healthy Plate curriculum, work as a team with the volunteer culinary instructor and adhere to program policies and team decisions.
At least one hour for training and orientation to Weld’s Healthy Plate.
Approximately three hours per week for lesson preparation, travel, class time, setup and cleanup.
Commitment to all six weeks of the course or willingness to share the commitment with a colleague.
Email dgutierrez@weldgov.com or call (970) 400-2373.