• According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity prevalence in Hispanic communities is 25.8% compared to 22% for non-Hispanic blacks, 14.1 % non-Hispanic whites, and 11% non-Hispanic Asians.²
• Further, if you’re a Hispanic adult, your chance of developing type 2 diabetes is more than 50%, and you’re likely to develop it at a younger age.³

A CHWs connection to the culture of the communities they serve makes them passionate about recruiting families to participate in free group health education classes. Our healthy living initiative programs serve thousands of individuals due to the tireless outreach efforts of CHWs at schools, community centers, and going door-to-door. During the 6-week programs, CHWs provide information, present live demonstrations, role-play common scenarios, lead low-impact workout routines, and offer free tools all centered around nutrition and healthy eating habits.

What’s most exciting about these programs is that they’re effective. In 2019, CHWs were able to educate and empower nearly 3,000 participants to adopt better daily healthy living habits at home. For example, data collected from exit surveys showed adults in our Juntos Podemos program increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by nearly 30%. Children in the program increased their vegetable consumption by an astounding 65%. Further, participants across all of our healthy living initiative programs were able to adopt the workout routines they learned from CHWs to increase the amount of time they spent exercising at home.

This activity is unique in that it teaches individuals how to make healthy choices even when their food options are limited. The reality of many of the communities here is that residents have little access to fresh and healthy foods. Known as food deserts, these communities lack the presence of large grocery stores and have limited or unreliable public transportation to get to grocery stores outside of their community. Teaching them how to recognize the nutritional value of the food items that are accessible plays a vital role in their ability to prepare healthy meals.

Another creative way CHWs help families merge nutrition and their cultural dishes is by preparing the meals with them. As CHWs often hold their educational sessions in community centers, schools and at participant’s homes, kitchens are regularly available. This allows the CHWs to engage participants in cooking demonstrations on site. Together, they peel and chop vegetables, learn how to prepare proteins, and even taste-test the meals after they are done. This demonstration assures participants that their cultural dishes can be prepared in a nutritious way and the confidence to do so on their own.

This brochure, created by MHP Salud and Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., was designed to help Hispanic and Latino Communities build nutritious plates with familiar fresh foods. Inside you will find information on portion sizes, nutrition facts, and tips to help individuals adopt healthier eating habits. It is available for immediate download after registration to our resource portfolio. Sign up for free!