Overview
Many people in the general population claim that “eating healthy is too expensive.” While fresh fruits and vegetables may seem expensive, if done right, they can fit into any budget along with other nutritious foods such as whole grains and low-fat or no-fat milk. Budgets and eating healthy seem like daunting tasks, but the Cent$ible Nutrition Program of Wyoming (CNP) is there to help! CNP of Wyoming is open to individuals, families and youth who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in each of the State’s 23 counties.
This is a program that is built to educate through a series of classes about eating healthy on a budget. Classes include practical education through cooking, food safety, nutrition, planning meals, grocery shopping and physical activity. One of the shining stars of the Wyoming CNP is the cookbook that is given to participants which includes Master Mix and Magic Mix. These two mixes are recipes that are made from scratch with a few ingredients, shelf stable, and bulk size and intended to be used in many different recipes. By teaching participants how to shop and cook once, participants learn how to stretch the food dollar and eat nutritiously!
An exciting event that the Wyoming CNP recently hosted was the “Two Buck Lunch.” Several entrees featured in the cookbook were made and guests were given “$2” to “buy” lunch with. The premise of the low dollar amount for a meal is based on the USDA thrifty meal plan. Special guest of the event was Wyoming’s First Lady Carol Mead. She has a new snack time recipe book called “Wyoming 9th Annual First Lady’s Family Night” which features a few of CNP’s recipes!
This article was written and submitted by Dietetic Intern Katlyn Thomas, on behalf of the University of Wyoming Extension. For more information contact Mindy Meuli, University of Wyoming Extension SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Director.