January 20, 2021
Looking Ahead in Nutrition & Client Services
The year 2020 challenged many of us in ways we never thought imaginable. The Nutrition & Client Services Department at MANNA had to adjust their roles to the new normal. We are hopeful and excited for what 2021 has in store. Here are some of the big picture ideas we are planning to bring to our clients:
Virtual Nutrition Classes In the fall of 2020 we rolled out our first three part virtual Get Fresh cooking class series. All classes were held over zoom and led by our Registered Dietitians and Head Chef. The classes focused on teaching participants how to make balanced meals out of their pantry items. Participants observed a cooking demonstration followed by a brief nutrition education session in the comfort of their own home. In 2021 we plan to roll out at least three more virtual Get Fresh series as well as partner with other community organizations to deliver virtual education.
Meal Bag Tips This was a previous client favorite that we are ramping up in 2021. Meal bag tips are a way for clients who do not have access to the internet to receive weekly nutrition education inside of their meal bags. The focus of these tips will be to provide nutrition education around managing chronic illness as well as offer snack and meal recipes for when clients cycle off the program.
Cooking Demonstrations Be on the lookout in the coming weeks to view brief recorded cooking demonstrations from MANNA Dietitians and Chefs. These will live on our MANNA Youtube page and other social media platforms. They will feature short five-minute meals and kitchen hacks for MANNA clients and the Philadelphia community at large.
Food Labels In the coming months we are planning to roll out new food labels for our meals. This label will show grams on specific macro and micronutrients as well as ingredient information. This will help to keep clients informed about specific menu items and be a tool for our Dietitians to use during their one-on-one counseling sessions.
These are just a few of the changes on the horizon in the coming months, but the sky is the limit to the creativity and reach of the Nutrition and Client Services Department. Clients are always welcome to call for any nutrition related questions or to schedule a free nutrition counseling appointment over the phone by dialing 215-496-2662 ext 5. Here’s to 2021!