Great things can happen when the community works together. That’s exactly what’s happening at Ozark VA in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Through a mutually beneficial partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the University of Arkansas Extension, and the Fayetteville Public Library, the Department of Veterans Affairs participated in all health cooking classes in June.
Air Force veteran Linda Cobble
“Before this class, I didn’t want to leave the house or talk to people,” said Air Force veteran Linda Cobble. “I had no incentive to cook, move, or do anything.”
This project was made possible by VA’s Whole Health, a state-of-the-art care approach that supports veterans’ health and overall well-being. Whole Health’s approach to veterans care focuses on what’s important to veterans, not “what’s wrong with you.”
Basic recipes for various themes
VA Cooking Class teaches simple and basic recipes with different focus every month. Mediterranean food, grills, food safety, low-carb diets, and diabetic diets are examples of different themes.
The Ozark VA Whole Health program provides veterans with 3-5 recipes of clockpots, blenders, steamers and fresh health ingredients free of charge each month. Kitchen items for each meal will be delivered to each veteran enrolled in the cooking class. The class was started in February 2022 as a virtual event due to COVID restrictions.
Delivery of supplies, online classes and support allowed veterans living in rural areas of three different states to attend top-notch cooking classes from the comfort of their homes.
When the COVID restrictions were lifted, veterans moved to face-to-face classes. During the two-hour class, veterans learned how to make some budget-friendly, healthy meals.
Veterans enjoy delicious food, Comrade
Each veteran was provided with a new recipe book. They worked together in small groups and cooked each recipe. And at the end of the class, I did a taste test. Veterans also discussed lessons learned and enjoyed delicious food and friendships with fellow veterans.
The team makes zucchini noodles throughout the healthy cooking class
“I enjoy cooking with people,” Coble said. “Today I made a chicken recipe. I think I have all the ingredients at home. Everything except lemons. After this lesson, I’ll drop in at the store. Pick up the lemons and myself I cook this dish in my kitchen. “
Veterans of all ages can now attend these free cooking classes in the state-of-the-art professional cooking space of the Fayetteville Public Library. The kitchen, suitable for a restaurant, is equipped with a preparation station, a professional stove and stove, and a cleanup station. Overhead, full-length hood provides maximum ventilation range. The large space makes it easy to move to all different stations.
Many benefits of a healthy diet
The focus of the Ozark VA Whole Health program is to teach veterans and their caregivers the benefits of a healthy life. Studies show that a healthy diet can have a positive impact on issues such as chronic stress, diabetes, heart disease, mental health, and personal development.
Additional benefits include integration into the community, building trust in cooking skills, and social interaction with other veterans of similar interest.
Veterans Department nutritionists, mental health professionals, peer support specialists, and all health personnel come together to support menu planning, product purchases, veterans care, and personal health planning.
Approximately 80 chronically ill veterans enrolled in mental health intensive case management programs, psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery centers, and whole health programs benefit from this opportunity.
“The cooking class was a real collaboration. They strengthened relationships not only within the Department of Veterans Affairs, but also with our community partners,” said local recovery coordinator Alison Wright. “How can these classes work together in an integrated approach to the entire health and mental health program to provide veterans with the knowledge, skills and resources to support their efforts to lead a healthy life?” Was shown. “
