Thanks to generous donations and community partners , WAFER is able to offer or host a variety of nutrition and education classes.
While income guidelines are not required for registration, these sessions are designed for individuals and families who identify as low-income or face challenges affording basic necessities. Our nutrition classes emphasize increasing daily intake of fresh produce, and educators share practical cooking tips, easy-to-follow recipes, and food samples when available.
Curious what a class looks like? You can view a segment from one of our sessions here.
For Nutrition Education program history, the original proposal, and implementation based on need, please scroll down.
Other class offerings will vary based on which community education is presenting, but could include budgeting, physical activity, healthy living, financial stability, community resources, and more. You can find all class offerings below.
Upcoming Educational Opportunities
Nutrition Education - Let's Go Bananas
Friday, May 15th 9-10 am
Emplify/Gundersen Dietitian Meredith will lead a fun, practical class all about bananas—an affordable, nutrient-rich staple packed with fiber, potassium, and natural sweetness—and how to use them in simple breakfasts, snacks, and budget-friendly recipes. You will enjoy sample, new recipes, and more.
*Pre-registration will be required at least 3 days in advance. Register in-person at WAFER Food Pantry at 1603 George St. during hours of distribution, email info@waferlacrosse.org, or call 608-782-6003. Please provide your name, phone number, and food allergies. If you are are unable to attend, please call to cancel. One gift per household for income-eligible participants.
Nutrition Education - Veggie Basics for Busy Mornings
Tuesday, June 9th 9-10 am
Mayo Dietitian Michaela will lead a fun, practical class to help you sneak veggies into the important first meal of the day. You will enjoy samples, new budget-friendly recipes, and more.
*Pre-registration will be required at least 3 days in advance. Register in-person at WAFER Food Pantry at 1603 George St. during hours of distribution, email info@waferlacrosse.org, or call 608-782-6003. Please provide your name, phone number, and food allergies. If you are are unable to attend, please call to cancel. One gift per household for income-eligible participants.
Nutrition Education - Information to come
July - With UW-Extension Nutrition Educator Mary
Nutrition Education and Tools Project History
The COMPASS NOW 2012 and 2015 report, compiled by The Great Rivers United Way, identifies current and emerging needs and/or issues in our region. The report sites obesity, food insecurity, increased child poverty rate, increased Food Share usage, and transportation among the relevant issues. These findings indicate the wide range of needs present among those living in poverty and those struggling to secure even basic necessities.
WAFER, together with our collaborating partners, will work towards addressing food insecurity, obesity, and nutrition through the “Nutrition Education & Tools Project”. The project will provide education programming and the tools needed for successful home implementation, specifically targeting the low-income population. For more information on this programming, please feel free to read through current program information (such as collaborators, funding, evaluation, and completed program summaries), the original grant proposal, the proposed budget, and remodel blueprints.
During the summer of 2014 research was conducted which concluded that lower income people who need our services lack not only the skills, but basic kitchen necessities to prepare and eat healthier meals. The documents are also available in the links below.
Blueprints For Education Center
Report on Ownership of Kitchen Tools
Brochure, kitchen basics and safety
Please email WAFER Executive Director Erin Waldhart for more information and how to donate to this initiative.