Project Summary:
In Wisconsin’s Monroe and Jackson Counties, food insecurity and limited access to healthy foods contribute to poor health outcomes, with adult obesity rates exceeding the state average and higher rates of childhood poverty. These challenges affect pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in Medicaid in particular, with maternal morbidities disproportionately impacting non-Hispanic Black mothers and those in rural areas. Community health workers (CHWs) have identified that beyond basic nutrition education, families often lack essential kitchen resources and cooking skills needed to prepare healthy meals.
Great Rivers HUB will introduce and implement Nourishing Futures, a program providing in-home nutrition education and cooking resources to pregnant and postpartum individuals in Monroe and Jackson counties. Through their established Healthy Births and Babies program, which has served 427 individuals since its inception, community health workers will conduct home visits to assess kitchen resources, demonstrate healthy recipes, and provide essential cooking supplies such as crockpots and utensils. The program emphasizes culturally appropriate education and hands-on instruction to help families develop sustainable healthy eating habits.
This project aims to normalize healthy eating habits across generations by empowering families with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to prepare nutritious meals at home. Following successful implementation in two counties, the program will expand across the Great Rivers HUB region, ultimately serving seven counties through partnerships with local health systems, food pantries, and WIC programs.
Community Partners: Great Rivers HUB, Great Rivers United Way