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Nutrition

 

Vision 2020: Lead the community in creating a culture of good nutrition
As part of the Greater Wichita YMCA's Vision 2020, the YMCA’s goal is to lead the community in creating a culture of good nutrition. We will help create an environment for better eating habits through YMCA programs, community collaborations, public policy advocacy, and other new nutrition initiatives.

Our first steps toward this goal were to hire a Healthy Eating Director, conduct a community survey to gauge the perception of the Y and nutrition, and strategically begin to promote 7 Key Healthy Eating Habits. 

Focus on Healthy Living

Our focus on healthy living means we encourage not only healthy activities, but also healthy eating. Here are some of the ways we do this:

  • Healthy snacks & nutrition education at our child care and camp sites
  • Nutrition plans & healthy recipes through our exclusive MobileFit online wellness portal
  • Personal trainers with certifications in diet and nutrition
  • Corporate wellness program offering healthy lifestyle coaching, wellness workshops & nutrition challenges
  • Regular tips & articles encouraging healthy lifestyles on our Facebook page
  • Cafe in our new Downtown YMCA offering healthy dining and snacking choices
 
Coming Soon: Nutrition Programs & Classes

In the Spring 2013, the Y surveyed members, participants and the community to see how it's perceived in regards to nutrition. We found out that the community sees the Y as a great place for activity, but healthy eating is not fully addressed. To be a leading community resource for good nutrition, we plan to provide education, access and support for healthy eating through:

  • Y Nutrition 101: Avoid fads and focus on the basics for healthy eating
  • Dinner in 30: Tips and tricks to save money and get a healthy meal on the table in 30 minutes or less
  • Eat Well, Be Well Workshops: A series of classes giving you the tools to make healthy eating a part of your lifestyle
  • Aisle-by-Aisle Healthy Eating: A virtual grocery store tour
  • Tasty Tuesdays at the Y: Cooking demonstrations and tastings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in the lobby of the Downtown YMCA (Start Date/Times TBD)
  • Changes in vending and concession stands to support healthy eating, making the healthy choice the easy choice.
  • New Healthy Eating Guidelines for Y staff and events to make healthy choices available at all Y sponsored functions.

Watch for more as we work to help create a culture of good nutrition for our community.