Manchester Community Schools is taking a bold step toward improving community health and wellness with a new initiative focused on nutrition education and healthy cooking. Spearheaded by Community School Facilitator Loren Robidas, in collaboration with Awilda Muniz of the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, this program aims to equip families with the knowledge and tools they need to make smart, nutritious food choices.

The series kicked off with an engaging session on MyPlate, a practical guide that emphasizes the importance of balanced meals featuring fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Awilda Muniz led participants through the basics of creating meals that support overall wellness, using MyPlate to explain portion sizes and food group recommendations.

But the learning doesn’t stop there. Upcoming sessions in the series will delve into essential topics like:

• Eating healthy on a budget
• Understanding food labels
• The truth about soft drinks

These fun and interactive classes are designed to empower families to make healthier daily decisions, regardless of income or lifestyle. A standout feature of the program is its hands-on, practical approach, ensuring that participants leave with not only knowledge but also tools to apply it at home.

To further support healthy living, every participant who completes the series will receive a FREE slow cooker, making it easier than ever to prepare nutritious meals at home.

This impactful initiative highlights Manchester Community Schools’ commitment to student and family wellness. Thanks to the dedication of Loren Robidas and Awilda Muniz, the city is seeing firsthand how community partnerships can turn education into action, making healthy living accessible and sustainable for all.