BELLEFONTE – Proper nutrition is essential for healthy child development and for preventing future disease. Children need the right balance of calories and nutrients—not too little and not too much. Not enough calories and nutrients (undernutrition) can result in stunted growth while too many calories (overnutrition) can result in obesity.
Yet despite the importance of balanced nutrition, 7.2 million children in the U.S. live in food-insecure households, and more than 15 million children are obese. Poverty is often linked to both undernutrition and overnutrition in children.
To help address this issue, the Centre County Library and Historical Museum is partnering with Penn State Extension to offer a free series of nutrition classes called “Nutrition Links” this fall.
A Nutrition Education Advisor will lead sessions at the Centre County Library in Bellefonte during October, November, and December for low-income parents, caregivers, and young adults at the following dates from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
- Oct. 22
- Oct. 29
- Nov. 12
- Nov. 19
- Dec. 10
- Dec. 17
Participants will learn:
- How to eat healthily on a limited budget
- How to plan low-cost, fast and easy meals
- How to keep food safe to eat
Classes will also include food tastings, raffles for food and nutrition supplies, and a certificate of achievement for participants who complete the series!
“This is an incredible opportunity for families to gain practical skills that can improve their health and well-being,” said Megan Strommer, Youth Services Coordinator at the Centre County
Library. “We understand that financial topics can be sensitive, but this program is designed to empower—not judge—those who attend.”
Those interested in learning more or registering can contact Megan Strommer at 814-355-1516 x1003.
This “Nutrition Links” program reflects the Centre County Library’s commitment to coordinating events with local experts and supporting the PA Forward initiative, a statewide effort of the Pennsylvania Library Association. PA Forward highlights the ways libraries strengthen communities through five essential literacies: Basic, Information, Civic & Social, Health, and Financial. With a focus on Health Literacy, this class series reinforces the importance of understanding nutrition and food budgeting in building a healthier Centre County.
