Nutrition

The Health Department addresses the nutritional needs of our community through education about healthy eating habits and movements. We use evidence-based curriculums to share knowledge on healthy eating habits, curriculums include MyPlate for My family, Eat Smart Live Strong, and Power Up! for Teens.

The health educator provides education to groups and individuals. We share information at various venues in the community from corporate wellness sites, schools, residential communities, faith-based organizations, food pantries, public library sites, daycare settings, and more. Build new skills with educators who are excited to work with you.  Education is presented through public presentations. 

Contact the health educator at HealthEdu@fishers.in.us to see how you can bring these programs to your community!

Curricula

1. MyPlate for My Family.

For guardians and caregivers of children ages 18 and under. 

MyPlate for My Family: SNAP Nutrition Education makes it easier to learn more about healthy food and physical activity choices. Making healthy choices for your family is one way to show how much you care. Attend fun, interactive classes where you can meet other parents who are making healthy changes in their lives. Find new ways to save money and time when buying food and making meals. Be inspired as you learn ways to be more active. During the classes, you can learn tips to:

  • Fix MyPlate family meals to stretch your food dollar
  • Get the right amount of food and physical activity 
  • Serve fruits and vegetables that kids will enjoy 
  • Make family time active and fun 

The Fishers Health Department invites you to MyPlate for My Family a four-day session that supports nutrition education and obesity prevention efforts. This curriculum is based on recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It is targeted to parents and caregivers who play a key role in planning, purchasing, and preparing food for their families. During a MyPlate for My Family class, you will get handouts and recipes to help you make small changes. You and your family can create new habits as you try these ideas and recipes at home. We can’t wait to assist you in this journey!

2. Eat Smart, Live Strong

For 60-74-year-olds participating in or eligible for Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs. 

Eat Smart, Live Strong is designed to improve fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among able-bodied, 60-74-year-olds participating in or eligible for Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs. The intervention is designed to help nutrition educators working with FNS programs and in communities deliver science-based nutrition education to the growing number of low-income older adults. Eat Smart, Live Strong to help able-bodied, community-dwelling,  older adults adopt behaviors that help to delay and prevent the effects of diet-related disease. Here is a chance to enjoy fun and lively activities with other older adults! 

 This four-session free curriculum includes:

  • allows participants to review the amount of fruits and vegetables appropriate for their age, activity level, and gender.
  • offers numerous suggestions to help older adults adapt their eating and physical activity behaviors to reach their goals.
  • provides hands-on experiences in updating classic recipes by adding fruits and vegetables. 
  • increases awareness about the variety of nutrition assistance programs available to low-income older adults. 

Talk about easy ways to make smart, healthy food choices and move more. Seats are limited. Learn how you can Eat Smart and Live Strong by joining one of our sessions. 

3. PowerUp! for Teens

For high school students

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has identified teens, especially those in low-income households, as a group at risk for the problems associated with unhealthy eating patterns and limited physical activity. We want to change that.

Power Up! is designed to give high school students the information, tools, and motivation needed to make healthier choices. Power Up! builds in social interaction, hands-on activities, friendly competition and opportunities for them to use their computer savvy. Teens thrive on competition and fun. So activities are designed around teams—which can be carried out either within a class or between classes. This connection to game theory is intended to engage teens through competition, incremental successes, and rewards. 

If you are entering 9th to 12th grade this coming school year, come join us for this free 12-week lesson on nutrition. Let's get ready for Power Up Summer! This course requires a minimum of 5 people. The FHD reserves the right to cancel or reschedule these courses.

Stats on nutrition-based health outcomes

Diet is often linked to several chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and some cancers. In 2018, the Indiana General Assembly recognized an opportunity to collaborate on a statewide initiative to increase awareness and treatment for diabetes and prediabetes. Read the full report and Indiana Diabetes Strategic Plan 2020-2026 here

According to the United Health Foundation’s 2021 America’s Health Rankings, Indiana's rank in the United States (rankings are from lowest to the highest prevalence): 

Healthy People 2020 Goals

  1. Goal: Reduce the burden of diabetes and improve the quality of life for all people who have, or are at risk for, diabetes.
  2. Goal: Improve cardiovascular health and reduce deaths from heart disease and stroke.
  3. Goal: Reduce overweight and obesity by helping people eat healthily and get physical activity.
  4. Goal: Improve health by promoting healthy eating and making nutritious foods available.
  5. Goal: Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through regular physical activity.