May 21, 2018 – According to countyhealthrankings.org, Bell County, Texas has approximately 29% of adults that are obese, and 28% are physically inactive. Fifty-six percent of people in Bell County ages 18 to 44 are at risk for obesity (The Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2011-2015). Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death.
The Cooperative Extension Program provided A Taste of African Heritage Cooking Series to residents of the Central Texas Housing Consortium and the general public this Spring. The series was created by Oldways, a non-profit food and nutrition education organization with a mission to inspire healthy eating through cultural food traditions and lifestyles. The six-week cooking series combines cultural history, nutrition and cooking lessons on healthy, culturally inspired meals to improve health and well-being.
The county agent administered pre and post surveys to all participants attending the sessions to gauge their perception, awareness, change in behavior and knowledge. Results from the final session indicated participants are eating more whole-grains, vegetarian meals, tubers and fruit, and exercising more. Many reported using more herbs and spices and eating more leafy greens and vegetables.
The series was made possible with the sponsorship and donations of supplies for the recipes by The Central Texas Housing Consortium. The total cost was $283.21, but the gross value of changing lives has a greater return on investment for CEP, the community, the individual and the families.
Submitted by Sheryl Austin
FCH Extension Agent, Bell County
(254) 933-5305
slaustin@ag.tamu.edu