JOPLIN, Mo. — At the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri nutrition means more than just eating well; it’s about building relationships, fostering skills and empowering individuals to make healthier choices.
The clinic’s free 16-week nutrition class offers participants the chance to learn how to cook nutritious meals on a budget. The program also teaches essential skills like reading food labels, practicing mindful eating and navigating grocery shopping.
“I was surprised by just how much I am learning in the cooking class! I have diabetes and was struggling to really know what was good for me to cook,” said one program participant. “And I love that I get to take the ingredients home to make it at night for my family.”
Participants prepare meals together, dine communally and take home the ingredients to recreate the dishes. For some, the shared experience is the only time they sit down to enjoy a meal with others.
The program focuses on hands-on learning, where participants can learn how to fuel their body.
“I look forward to each class and our instructor’s easy way of communication,” said Cathline Pollard, another program participant. “The relaxed atmosphere encourages us all to share our thoughts and ideas in open discussions. I think it is a perfect class for anyone in our community!”
Over time, the classes build friendships and support networks, with participants exchanging recipes, texting one another and organizing walks outside of class.
“The cooking program has become so important to the health of many of our patients,” said Stephanie Brady, executive director of the clinic. “We are so thankful that we can offer such a fun class for our patients.”
Classes are held Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday afternoons at 3 p.m. Each session is limited to 10 participants, with priority given to clinic patients before opening to the public. The clinic hopes to raise awareness about the program, ensuring that more people can benefit from the nutrition classes.
The Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri is dedicated to improving the health of individuals in the community who lack access to medical, dental or mental health care. The clinic is funded through donations and grants and receives practice facilitation from the Family and Community Medicine Department at University of Missouri.
