Faithful Families Thriving Communities (FFTC) was identified by members of the Wellness Action Group as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in fruit and vegetable consumption and overweight/obesity prevalence in our community. This is a new program in our community.

FFTC is led by program facilitators and lay leaders.  The curriculum features nine sessions addressing topics such as nutrition, meal preparation, and becoming more physically active.  The program encourages changes at the organization and community levels, such as having a policy to serve water during events.  

The priority population/customers for this educational program are members of faith communities, and the educational program aims to make a difference at the individual and organizational levels.  Implementation will take place in churches and other faith-based organizations.  

This strategy addresses health disparities by connecting individuals with free, evidence-based education in a convenient setting.  

Cook Smart, Eat Smart (CSES) was identified by members of the Wellness Action Group as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in fruit and vegetable consumption and overweight/obesity prevalence in our community. This is an ongoing program in our community.

CSES is led by a trained instructor through North Carolina Cooperative Extension.  This four-session program provides recipes demonsrations and instruction about simple cooking techniques.   

The priority population/customers for this educational program are adults and older teenagers, and the educational program aims to make a difference at the individual level. Implementation will take place in a community organization.

This strategy addresses health disparities by demonstrating that a healthy diet is accessible even when funds are limited.  

Both programs were identified by Haywood County Cooperative Extension as priorities and programs with potential.  CSES was offered successfully in the past.  

Med Instead of Meds

2022 update:

Cooperative Extension staff offered Cook Smart, Eat Smart in October.  Six participants completed the four-class series.  The program was enhanced by offering an Instant Pot® to one randomly-selected participant.  

2023 update:

Nutrition education programs offered by Cooperative Extension staff included: 

• The Med Instead of Meds series offered brief lessons, recipe preparation, and focused on the Mediterranean style of eating.  The program was enhanced by offering an Instant Pot® to one randomly-selected participant. 
• The Cook Smart, Eat Smart series offered brief lessons and recipe preparation.  
• The NC Steps to Health program was offered twice.  This program addresses healthy eating for those with limited budgets.  
• Take Control is a program addressing chronic disease prevention.  This was offered at the Maggie Valley Congregate Nutrition Site.  
• Color Me Healthy is a program focused on both nutrition and physical activity.  This was offered to pre-k students at Hazelwood, Clyde, North Canton, and Meadowbrook Elementary Schools.  
• 2023 program successes from Cooperative Extension included some participants reporting increased fruit and vegetable consumption (20 participants) and others reporting increased physical activity (15 participants) (provided by Haywood County Cooperative Extension, 2023).  

Potential data limitation- some individuals may have participated in more than one program, possibly causing them to be counted more than once.  

The partners for evidence-based nutrition programs include: