Food. Friends. fun.
Connect online or in person while learning more about foods that optimize your health.
What is Socially Nutritious?
In Spring 2021, Nutrition students at East Tennessee State University were tasked with developing a virtual nutrition education curriculum for older adults in Tennessee. As they looked at the impact COVID-19 had on congregate meal programs, these students realized that more older adults were likely eating alone, which increased their risk for malnutrition, as individuals who live and eat alone are less likely to eat nutritious meals – or eat at all. The students proposed a virtual nutrition education program based on the idea of a “social supper club” and imagined participants cooking and enjoying recipes “together” to address loneliness. Thus, Socially Nutritious was born!
Who should join The Online Socially Nutritious Program?
While our program is designed for anyone who wants to learn about how foods can optimize their health, we feel that Socially Nutritious is ideal for:
You would love to take advantage of the many nutrition classes available at your local senior center, but you’re not able to attend because you may work part-time or even full-time during the week.
You may enjoy some activities at your local senior center, but you cannot commit to regular attendance at workshops because of doctor’s appointments and other commitments for your loved one.
You’re excited to get your health back on track but aren’t able to attend nutrition classes at your local senior center, yet.
You enjoy classes at your local senior center but want additional information and support in the late afternoon or early evening (and maybe a little “virtual company”)
Program goals
- Decrease risk for malnutrition
- Decrease food insecurity
- Decrease loneliness
What You'll Learn in Socially Nutritious
What You'll Experience in The Socially Nutritious Community
6 Nutrition Sessions
Graduate nutrition students share tips and tricks to maximize your health with food.
accountability partner
Each week, you’ll talk with your Nutrition Ambassador – an undergraduate or high school student who will help you achieve your goals.
Private Facebook Group
You’ll also have access to a private Facebook group to share more ideas and recipes to help you and your friends optimize your health.
Develop Or Refine Your Skills to Maximize Your Health
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting
Research shows that setting specific, measurable goals relevant to your life - and writing them down - helps you achieve the change you desire. You'll get a chance to set (and achieve) a S.M.A.R.T. goal each week.
Meal Planning
You have probably planned meals for your family, but it can be more challenging when you live alone or with only a partner. It's also difficult if someone else prepares your meals. You'll practice planning meals and snacks that work for your current life situation.
Cooking for One or Two
Most recipes are designed for 6 - 8 people. You'll learn to modify recipes for fewer people, repurpose leftovers, and make the most of items in your pantry and freezer.
Cooking a New Recipe
Each session features a quick, easy, and affordable recipe that goes along with the topic of the day. You'll receive the recipe ahead of time so that you can cook along with our facilitators (and enjoy a delicious meal afterwards).
Learning OnLine
In addition to our "Session 0," where we demonstrate Zoom and the Facebook group, we provide 1:1 support to setup and use Zoom to participate in the individual classes. We believe that technology is a tool to increase your access to nutrition and health information, but we don't think it should get in the way. We have Nutrition Ambassadors who can help you troubleshoot technical issues during class.
Are you ready to maximize your health?
Join Socially Nutritious!
Classes start January 22nd and February 13th.
Spaces are limited