Elliot Hospital - Cook Better! Live Better!

What is it?

The Food and Nutrition Department of Elliot Hospital created the Cook Better! Live Better! program to teach both children and adults how to shop, cook, and eat healthy. Nutrition information, food tastings, and basic cooking techniques are presented in a relaxing and entertaining atmosphere. Cook Better! Live Better! provides monthly classes to interested community members covering topics such as Healthy Cooking for One, Healthy Holiday Traditions, Culinary and Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices, Healthy Super Bowl Snacks, Grilling Healthy, and Healthy After School Snacks. Classes are tailored for specific groups including seniors, children, and parents.

Who is it for?

The chef and registered dietitian team of instructors have presented the course at local businesses, senior centers, and schools. There is no charge for presentations to schools, but attendees from other organizations are charged a minimal fee to participate.

Why do they do it?

Elliot Health System and its chefs and dietitians are committed to improving the health of the community. They recognize the importance of reducing the risks of obesity through a healthy diet. “The more you know about food, the more foods you can choose.”

Impact

The program has been successful because it is fun and has a widespread appeal across many demographics. In the last three years, more than 30 classes have been held, with 500 adults and seniors participating. During the same time period, classes were held for middle-school students as part of their life skills curriculum. Approximately 900 students received class instruction. Parents have said that their children come home and give them a shopping list of what they need to make the recipes they were shown in class.

Contact: Barbara Haine, MEd, RD, LD
Elliot Health System Clinical Nutrition Manager
Telephone: 603-663-2520
E-mail: bhaine@elliot-hs.org