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 - Kale is King
Tuesday, June 18th 9-10am
Join UW Extension FoodWIse Nutrition Educators for an in-person class where you will learn about the health benefits of Kale and how to make the most of this impressive green. The class include tips on preparation, recipes, samples, and more.
There are 15-20 spots available. First come, first served. One person per household will receive a gift for attending the entire class.
*Pre-registration is required at least 2 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.
Health Event - Blood Pressure Screening, Health Tips, Summer Recipes
Tuesday, July 9th 4-6pm and Wednesday, July 10th 10am-12pm
Join Health Educators from Gundersen Health System for this free event; blood pressure screening, chat one-on-one about healthy lifestyle tips, ask questions, and choose some delicious summer recipes. No registration required, just check in at the desk in the lobby.
Nutrition Education - Preserve That Summer Bounty!
Tuesday, July 23rd 9-10am
Join UW Extension FoodWIse Nutrition Educators for an in-person class where you learn tips and tricks for preserving summer produce to use long after the season ends. The class include recipes, samples, and more.
There are 15-20 spots available. First come, first served. One person per household will receive a gift for attending the entire class.
*Pre-registration is required at least 2 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 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.