Adena and Local Agency Partner to Offer Cooking Program

The latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) shows that Pike County ranks #87 among Ohio’s 88 counties when it comes to the overall health of its residents. Data in the CHNA shows that people in the area need more nutritional information, and greater access to healthier food. To combat unhealthy habits and improve the region’s overall health ranking, Adena Health System and the Ohio State University Pike County Extension Office are partnering to offer Cooking Matters. The six-week program that empowers people with the skills they need to stretch their food budgets, while cooking healthy meals.

Cooking Matters was created for individuals and families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. However, thanks to support from Adena’s Community Health Advancement Program, any Adena patient has the opportunity to participate in the program. Over the course of six weeks, classes will be held every Monday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 1 through Nov. 5. Classes are held at the First Baptist Church, located at 303 E. 3rd Street in Waverly.  

“This is a great program that allows patients to make healthier lifestyle choices,” said Adena primary care provider Dr. Reggina Yandila. “My patients are so thrilled to have access to the tools and materials they need to learn about developing healthy eating habits, in a fun and enjoyable way.”

Cooking Matters teaches participants how to shop smarter, how to use nutrition information to make healthier choices, and how to cook delicious, affordable meals. Founded in 1993, Cooking Matters and its volunteer instructors have helped more than 265,000 families in communities across the U.S. learn to eat better for less.

After each class, participants are given recipes for the meals they have made and are given some grocery items to take home to prepare the meals on their own. 

“Cooking has turned into a hobby for me, something I used to never do,” explained former participant Garnet Snyder. “I am making meals and trying recipes that I never would have in the past. I have also made some friends along the way.” 

To register for these upcoming Cooking Matters classes, contact Tammy Jones at 740-289-4837 or jones.5640@osu.edu.