Project Title  

Med Instead of Meds 

Objective  

Med Instead of Meds was created by a group of nutrition and health professionals from NC State University and NC Division of Public Health. Eating the Med Way has been proven to protect against chronic illness. In some cases, eating the Med Way may even result in decreasing medications taken for blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. The goal is to provide the citizens of Franklin County with the information and tools needed to make healthy and delicious meals for themselves and their families. 

What Will We Do 

The Med Instead of Meds program is designed to address healthy eating within the population of Franklin County. The program is meant to raise awareness of health issues and alternative eating habits that may not be utilized. The Franklin County Cooperative Extension offers the program to address health needs and offers ways for the population to adapt to lifestyle changes or seek medical help.   

Who Is Involved    

North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center 

Franklin County Health Department

When This Takes Place 

In 2022, the classes were provided once a year over a 6-week increment. In 2023, the class structure changed to be able to better meet the needs of the community and increase participation. Classes are no longer offered over a 6-week period, instead individual sessions are offered at a variety of locations throughout the county.  

How We Will Do It  

The NC Cooperative Extension has partnered with the Franklin County Department of Aging and the Franklin County government employees to host lunch and learn sessions where one individual session of the curriculum is provided in an interactive format.  

The "Med Instead of Meds" curriculum focuses on: 

- Eating primarily plant-based foods and limiting red meat 

- Choosing whole grain foods  

- Consuming 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day 

- Using olive oil and fresh herbs instead of solid fats or seasonings high in sodium  

- Limiting high processed food, fast food, and sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks 

Results/Planned Measures of Impact  

Data has been collected to assess the number of participants at each presentation. In 2022, each participant was asked about their satisfaction with the current process of the Med Instead of Meds classes and what might work better for them in a post-survey. Program attendees were surveyed and educated on this program throughout a 6-week period and data was collected to gauge interest in these programs. In 2023, since individual sessions were offered instead of the whole 6-week course, program satisfaction surveys were not administered.