Thanks to generous donations and community partners , WAFER is able to offer or host a variety of nutrition and education classes.
Though income guidelines are not posted for registration, the population these sessions are intended for are people who meet “low-income” guidelines or struggle to afford basic necessities. Nutrition classes focus on increasing daily intake of produce, and educators offer helpful cooking tips, recipes, and samples as available. You can view a segment from one class 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 - Beans: The "Magical" (and Healthy) Fruit
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 5:30-6:30pm
Join Mayo Health System Dieticians for a class where you will learn about the health benefits and versatility of Beans. The class includes tips on preparation, recipes, samples, and more.
There are 15 spots available. First come, first served. One person per financially eligible household will receive a gift for attending the entire class.
*Pre-registration is required at least 3 days in advance. You can register in-person at WAFER Food Pantry at 1603 George St. during hours of distribution, email info@waferlacrosse.org, or call 608-782-6003 to register. Please provide your name, phone number, and any food allergies. If you are pre-registered and are unable to attend, please call to cancel.
Nutrition Education - It's Not Easy Being Green......Or Is It?
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 5-6pm
Join Gundersen/Emplify Dieticians for a class where you will learn about the health benefits and versatility of the often overlooked powerhouse of dark green vegetables. The class includes tips on preparation beyond just a salad, recipes, samples, and more.
There are 15 spots available. First come, first served. One person per financially eligible household will receive a gift for attending the entire class.
*Pre-registration is required at least 3 days in advance. You can register in-person at WAFER Food Pantry at 1603 George St. during hours of distribution, email info@waferlacrosse.org, or call 608-782-6003 to register. Please provide your name, phone number, and any food allergies. If you are pre-registered and are unable to attend, please call to cancel.
Nutrition Education - Finding Your Roots
Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 5-6pm
Root vegetables are those harvested from underground or the "root" of the plant. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, flavors, and colors and include ginger, garlic, radish, rutabaga, celery root, daikon radish, onions, parsnips, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, turmeric, and yams. In this class, Mayo Health System Dieticians will feature some fun and flavorful ways to incorporate root vegetables into your meals.
There are 15 spots available. First come, first served. One person per financially eligible household will receive a gift for attending the entire class.
*Pre-registration is required at least 3 days in advance. You can register in-person at WAFER Food Pantry at 1603 George St. during hours of distribution, email info@waferlacrosse.org, or call 608-782-6003 to register. Please provide your name, phone number, and any food allergies. If you are pre-registered and are unable to attend, please call to cancel.
Nutrition Education - Spice It Up In The Kitchen
Tuesday, June 24th 9-10am
Join Mayo Health System Dieticians for a class where you will learn how herbs and spices can make a simple dish burst with flavor, health benefits, and tips on how to include them in your favorite recipes. The class will also include recipes to make mixes, samples, and more.
There are 15 spots available. First come, first served. One person per financially eligible household will receive a gift for attending the entire class.
*Pre-registration is required at least 3 days in advance. You can register in-person at WAFER Food Pantry at 1603 George St. during hours of distribution, email info@waferlacrosse.org, or call 608-782-6003 to register. Please provide your name, phone number, and any food allergies. If you are pre-registered and are unable to attend, please call to cancel.
Nutrition Education - Easy & Healthy Snacks On The Go
Tuesday, September 16th 5:30pm
More information to come.
Nutrition Education - Healthy Holiday Swaps
Tuesday, December 2nd 9am
More information to come.
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.