In October, Elizabeth Moreau, RD, a clinical dietitian at Rumford Hospital, conducted a nutrition and cooking education series at Rumford Public Library. The classes were designed for children and their families.
The goal was to teach key nutrition concepts and simple recipes to help empower kids to independently make healthy food choices. Over the course of four classes, students learned about food groups, making balanced meals and snacks, fruits and vegetables and the importance of choosing healthy beverage options. Kids engaged in nutrition themed games and participated in cooking up healthy recipes to enjoy.
“It was such a wonderful opportunity to bring nutrition and cooking education into a comfortable setting for kids and families and give them the ability to explore new concepts, foods and flavors,” Elizabeth said. “I loved seeing new and familiar faces each week and the enthusiasm and questions they brought with them.”
“Libraries are dedicated to providing opportunities for learning, making community connections and offering practical resources to enrich community members’ lives,” said Sarah Cotnoir, children’s director at Rumford Public Library. “By offering workshops, cooking demonstrations and resources on healthy eating, libraries can become a catalyst for healthier habits, empowering patrons to nourish themselves, their families and build a foundation for lifelong wellness.”