In 2015, the VA Nutrition and Food Services Department of Northern Indiana launched the Healthy Teaching Kitchen class. In class, veterans can take part in watching and demonstrating healthy recipes while tasting delicious food.
A six-class series was organized to educate and assist veterans in creating healthier recipes in their homes. The curriculum is designed around a healthy plate diet that emphasizes a partially controlled diet, including vegetables, fruits, lean protein, dairy products, and fiber-rich grains.
Seasonings add flavor to your food without the use of salt
The class focuses on the topics of the food category, each presenting recipes that offer a variety of cooking methods and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the food without the use of salt.
Often there was a waiting list to register
“This is one of the most popular classes we offer,” said nutritionist Tiane Bianski. “We often had a waiting list to register. Veterans with variable work schedules and restricted travel could not attend face-to-face classes. And COVID-19 All classes had to be put on hold during the pandemic. “
The pandemic demanded that nutritionists be creative in their classes. With the help of the public relations office, they started recording monthly recipe demonstrations. The two-minute video includes a material list, preparation steps, and final product. The video will then be shared on social media platforms to improve access to healthier cooking education.
Video via VAVideoConnect and Facebook
“This new method is popular with veterans and the general public watching videos on our social media,” says Tiane.
Social media videos have been so successful that the nutrition and food services sector has decided to take it one step further. The 6-class series is now available to veterans through VA’s Video Connect. Veterans can now take classes and try new healthy recipes from the comfort of their home.
Watch the video on the North Indiana VA Facebook page.
