The Healthy Eating Committee hosted a food demo and focus group in collaboration with University Hospitals Rainbow Center for Women and Children to learn more from residents about food in their neighborhoods. Over the summer, the committee attended a variety of community events to share information about how added sugar impacts health over time, and asked for feedback about how this situation could be improved in Cleveland. This fall, the committee is hosting focus groups to dive deeper into what we learned.
The first event was held successfully at Dave’s Market & Eatery on October 4, 2019 with over 25 residents present. UH Executive Chef John Selick demonstrated how to make a peach frozen yogurt as a healthier alternative to ice cream, complete with taste testing. He then demonstrated the first few steps in creating healthier strawberry truffles, and families got to be hands-on to finish forming the “truffles” into balls and rolling them in freeze-dried strawberries and coconut flakes.
The focus group with adults, while children worked on a fun food craft with Children’s Hunger Alliance’s Lauren Molls, followed the demonstration. Participants discussed where they grocery shop, how stores can help them make healthy choices more easily, eating out at restaurants and how school environments impact food, health and community culture. Attendees received goodie bags filled with recipes, healthy eating ideas and kitchen giveaways to help thank them for their time and insight.
The next focus group event is in the planning stages for November. Stay tuned for more!