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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

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Nutrition Education - 5 Ingredients: Endless Possibilities

Thursday, April 18th 9-10am 

Join UW Extension FoodWIse Nutrition Educators for an in-person class that will take 5 ingredients to make simple, tasty, and healthy meals. 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 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.

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Education Session - Goal Setting

Tuesday, March 12th 4-5pm OR Wednesday, March 13th 10:30-11:30am

Join Gundersen Health System Community Educators for a session on goal setting, action plans, and habits to help create long-term change.

There are 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 and phone number. 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.

Original NET Project Proposal

NET Project Budget

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.