Food literacy training begins Jan. 21

People who want to know more about healthful eating and food preparation can enroll in the Food Literacy Partners training program that begins Jan. 21.

This free program teaches participants how to determine if they are eating healthfully and at are a healthy weight; dietary approaches to preventing high blood pressure, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis; food safety; healthful and fast food preparation; healthful food shopping; and achieving healthy weight in children.

The 20-hour program meets at the ViQuest Center at 2610 Stantonsburg Road for three Saturdays: Jan. 21 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 28 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Feb. 4 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A supermarket tour is optional. While the program is free, graduates are encouraged to provide 20 hours of community service educating others about healthful eating, such as at Pitt County schools, at church and service club health fairs and at the Pitt County farmers market.

The Food Literacy Partners program is supported by the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, the Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation, the ViQuest Center and Pitt Partners for Health. More than 200 people have completed the program since it began in 2000.

Space is limited. For more information or to register call Rebecca Rawl at (252) 744-1388 or e-mail her at rer0123@ecu.edu.