Fresh From the Start Begins!

This Tuesday is the first day of the Fresh from the Start Nutrition and Cooking Program! From January until May, Fresh from the Start will be conducting 16 nutrition classes with the Young Parent Program of Ukiah High School. We aim to empower teen parents to adapt healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families by teaching them about nutrition, physical activity and how to cook healthy affordable meals. Fresh from the Start is a grant funded program through the Network for a Healthy California and is being administered by Adrienne Binder, an AmeriCorps VISTA of First 5 Mendocino, and Cassie Dillman, an AmeriCorps VISTA of First 5 and The Gardens Project.

We will be working with a class of 16 teen mothers over the course of the next month, exploring the basics of healthy living. Fresh from the Start will cover topics including: Portion sizes, label reading, how to manage a food budget, breastfeeding, child and infant nutrition, healthy breakfasts, and Re-Think Your Drink. We will be making yummy recipes with the mothers, ranging from Turkey Veggie Chili to healthy baby foods for their children.

Check in over the next few months to hear updates about the project!