October was harvest time and an opportune time for residents at The Harbor in Newark to experience a specialized class in Nutrition as part of the Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). This fall the Harbor is hosting two classes with approximately twenty residents in attendance. The class stresses the importance of good nutrition as being one of the most essential ways to assure good health, longevity, and disease prevention. The class is being taught by Miriam Banks, Community Assistant of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program, and is receiving positive reviews from the residents.
“It is our goal to encourage behavioral change regarding nutrition and food selection,” said Ms. Banks. “We want individuals to think before choosing foods and make a change to selecting healthful foods as a result of the training we are providing.”
Residents signed up voluntarily for the program, whose only requirement is that at least 50% of residents have children under age 18. The class is one hour per week for six weeks. Participation and exercises are encouraged including group work that promotes awareness of basic nutrition. Presentations include “Colors of the Garden,” food groups, reading labels, the importance of physical exercise, and a lesson dedicated to “Smart Snacking.”
Ms. Banks brought a blender to class and distributed recipes for smoothies that are made up of fruits and vegetables that had just been discussed. The class was treated to a delicious green smoothie made with all healthy ingredients and proteins. All were surprised how good a drink made of fruit and veggies could be!
“I love this class, I think about this during the week,” said one resident. Many claim they are more knowledgeable about healthier food choices after participating in the class.
The EFNEP has existed in Essex County, New Jersey, for approximately 25 years. This federally funded program assists limited-resource families and youth in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior changes necessary for nutritionally sound diets; and contributes to program participants’ personal development and the improvement of their total family’s diets and nutritional welfare. The program has been conducted previously at Tully House, also in Newark.
Through the use of interactive activities and group exercise, residents remained focused and interested throughout the informative class in conjunction with a “choosemyplate” poster. My Plate illustrates the five food groups that are building blocks for a healthy diet. For more information, please visit: www.choosemyplate.gov.
The Harbor is a residential reentry facility that accommodates a capacity of 260 males referred from the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Residents participate daily in a fully structured treatment environment receiving lectures, group, and individual counseling. Services include GED preparation, adult basic education, life skills, anger management, relapse prevention, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), twelve step education, family groups and job skills. Domestic violence prevention and mentoring is provided by the Chaplaincy Network Program and the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
CEC is a leading national provider of rehabilitative services for offenders in reentry and in-prison treatment facilities, as well as providing comprehensive management of county, state, and federal jail and detention facilities. The Company provides evidence-based programming for residential and non-residential clients and maintains a documented record of reducing recidivism. CEC services also include drug and alcohol testing by SECON, our comprehensive drug testing and screening company that provides services worldwide.
