The Community Nutrition Center offers programs and services designed to improve healthy lifestyles including nutrition and physical activities across the life course in socioeconomically vulnerable communities. The department has developed quite successful statewide multi-partner initiatives to improve access to healthy food and safe environments for the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

PANA – Program to increase Access to good Nutrition and Active life.

•PANA provides evidence-based nutrition and healthy lifestyles education services to SNAP families in Connecticut.

•PANA reaches thousands of children and their families at seven major cities in CT: Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, New Britain, Waterbury, New London, and Norwich.

•The program is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Our services are interactive, hands-on, and are offered in English/Spanish.

Activities

Group Presentations

Exercise and nutrition workshops for parents and older adults about nutrition topics. They learn how to plan healthy meals with My Plate, make healthy food choices at the supermarket by reading the food labels, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Puppet Shows

Since 1995, the Hispanic Health Council has performed this excellent program for thousands of families in the greater Hartford area.

It consists of a series of bilingual nutrition and exercise performances for children from pre-school through 3rd grade, with follow-up classroom activities and information for their parents.

If you would like more information or if you want to request a Puppet Show Presentation please contact us at 860- 527-0856 or thorough the link below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=MTYLdMcRL02YTIF2fLhliCUEeTuaButLkqz-fvy3ol5UME45V1ZKOUdFRzNXQlg1MVExSzJQMEgzMiQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode

Jeopardy Games

Enhancing nutrition and exercise knowledge and behaviors for children from 4th grade and up. These presentations offer the following topics.

  • My Plate and the importance of an active lifestyle.
  • Four steps to keep food safe from bacteria.
  • Using the Nutrition Facts to choose healthy food and drinks.

Media Smart Youth

Teaches youth how to make good food and exercise choices by challenging their critical thinking on how the media influence their food preference. It is offered at after school and summer programs.

Consists of ten 90 minutes educational sessions promoting good nutrition and physical activity targeting youth aged 11-13. It is based on “Media Smart Youth, Eat, Think, and Be Active” NIH curricula.

Holcomb Farm

In partnership with a local Community Supported Agriculture Farm (CSA), during the summer the program offers hands on nutrition education activities using local vegetable recipes, and free organic vegetables.

The program conducts individual nutrition education at tables with complementary activities. If you want us to participate at your community event please contact us at 860- 527-0856.