Food and Health Project

The Food and Health Project is a joint initiative between Westmeath Community Development, and The HSE Dublin Mid- Leinster. This project is funded by the HSE

The project was set up in 1999, initially with Athlone Community Taskforce, and became a Westmeath Community Development initiative in 2007. We train Food and Health Instructors to deliver the programme to groups in Longford and Westmeath. The use of a Healthy Food Made Easy pack (Dept of Health), plus the Food and Health Coordinator, the Community Dietician from the HSE and the instructors are the key elements of the project.

The project is a peer led nutrition education programme. It is aimed at community groups especially where cost is a major consideration. The emphasis on group work that is practical and fun is a great concern for the instructor. The course consists of 6 sessions each lasting 2-2.5 hours

Session 1	Getting The Balance Right
Session 2	Focus On Fat
Session 3	Fibre In Your Diet
Session 4	Family Foods
Session 5	Healthier shopping
Session 6	Bringing it all back home

The Local coordinator is appointed to liaise with community groups and the instructors. An evaluation of the course and instructor is filled out at the end of the 6 wks in order to keep the courses and instructors updated to the needs of the groups

The project is based in Athlone with courses being available to groups throughout Longford and Westmeath. It offers 2 additional courses to groups:

· Cooking for Health: A 6 session course, this is offered to groups wanting a more practical approach

· Cool Dude Food Program: A 5 session course offered to younger people, this course has cookery and other activities

All programs are aimed at people who are living on a tight budget. If you want any more information or your group wants to apply to undertake a course; we’d love to hear from you – For Westmeath and Longford contact Karen: 09064 93906 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it