Registration Open for Summer Nutrition Classes

Project EAT, a program sponsored by the Alameda County Office of Education in partnership with Education and the Environment Initiative, is offering nutrition classes to teachers, parents, community members, and youths.

The classes will take place July 23 - 25 and will be held primarily in at the Office of Education building, 313 Winston Ave. in Hayward.

Classes are offered to elementary and middle school teachers, as well as parents and community members.

According to Catherine Cook, professional development coordinator with Project EAT, the classes will use the USDA's new My Plate guidelines to encourage participants to incorporate healthy foods into their diets and to teach children to do the same.

"There is an overall encouragement to add healthy food choices. That change can be slow or dramatic, depending on what works for each person," Cook said.

The classes last from one to three days, and some of them take place in local gardens. Participants are taught developmentally appropriate methods of introducing children to nutrition.

In addition, the classes for parents and local residents teach participants how to take action and promote children's health within their communities.

"We are trying to improve the health and academic performance of all students," Cook said.

Project EAT also sponsors a youth empowerment program that teaches students about the inadequate and unequal access to healthy food that exists in many communities, Cook said.

The classes are designed to give community members the tools they need to achieve a healthy lifestyle and help their children and students do the same.  Project EAT supports school gardens and promotes physical fitness, as well.

The registration deadline is July 13. Teacher classes cost $75-$150, and parent classes are free. To register, click here.