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 - Stress Management
Tuesday, December 12th 4-5pm OR Wednesday, December 13th 10:30-11:30am
Join Gundersen Health System Educators for an in-person class in WAFER's new education space. This class will focus tips and strategies to cope with stress. This class comes at a great time as we head into the holidays and the stress that that can sometimes create.
There will be 20 spots available each day. First come, first served.
*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. If you are pre-registered and are unable to attend, please call to cancel.
StrongBodies
Mondays and Wednesdays October 16th - December 13th
Join UW Extension FoodWIse StrongBodies leaders for this strength training class. Join in-person at WAFER, in-person at the Holmen Area Community Center, or virtually. *Pre-registration is required and can be done so online (https://forms.gle/tbUHESiv6VKCBZh18) or by contacting leaders Karie (karie.johnson@wisc.edu) or April (april.anderson@wisc.edu).
Nutrition Education - Asian and Traditional Hmong Foods
Thursday, November 9th 9-10am
Join UW Extension FoodWIse Nutrition Educators for a class focusing on Asian and Hmong foods. This in-person class will include tips on preparation, recipes, and more.
There are 20 spots available. First come, first served. One person per family 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 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.