Family and Consumer Sciences

Dining with Diabetes is a national program designed for adults with type 2 diabetes, is at-risk for type 2 diabetes, has pre-diabetes, is a family member, caregiver or provides support for people with type 2 diabetes, wants to learn more about managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.  The program teaches skills needed to identify and understand important information about managing this disease.  Dining with Diabetes complements and does not replace other diabetes education and management programs. It includes a series of four weekly, two hour classes and a three month follow up class.

The program includes four sessions and teaches skills needed to identify and understand important information about managing this disease.  Participants will learn:  menu planning, carbohydrate counting, portion control, label reading, healthy fats, and the importance of fiber in managing diabetes.

Note: Individual meal plans or guidance will not be provided.

The Dining with Diabetes program is available to anyone, 18 years or older who is at-risk for or currently has type 2 diabetes, has pre-diabetes, is a family member, caregiver or provides support for people with type 2 diabetes, and/or  wants to learn more about managing and preventing type 2 diabetes.

The program is led by registered dietitians and trained University of Maryland Extension Educators in consultation with registered dietitians.

Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle.  Along with physical activity and getting enough sleep, consuming nutritious foods can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall good health.

Nutrition education programs available include:

The Dash Diet. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is an eating plan to lower or control high blood pressure. This program offers a series of six, one hour sessions that includes recipe tasting, emphasizing foods lower in sodium as well as foods rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium which can help lower blood pressure.

Eating the Mediterranean Way. The Mediterranean diet is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to promote health and prevent chronic disease. In this one hour program, learn the basics of healthy eating using the traditional flavors and cooking methods of the Mediterranean.

Eating for Good Health. It’s easier than you think to start eating healthy! In this one hour program, learn how to choose foods that could improve your health and manage health concerns. 

Eat Smart, Live Strong. This program offers four, one hour sessions to improve fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among adults, 60 years and older using interactive activities and recipe tasting.

Healthy Snacking. In this 45 minute program, learn the importance of healthy snacking and insight into snacking trends and tips on choosing healthy snacks

Know the Facts: The New Nutrition Facts Label. As of January 1, 2020, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks. During this 45 minute program, learn about the changes to the Nutrition Facts Label and how the food label can help you make healthy food choices.

Reducing Your Cancer Risk. The evidence shows that modifying what we eat, being more physically active, having a healthy body weight and other health-related choices can prevent nearly half of all cancer diagnoses. In this one hour program, learn about the American Institute for Cancer Research’s recommendations for individuals to lower their risk of lifestyle-related cancers.

The Fresh Conversations Program offers friendly conversation to help you maintain your health and independence. Adults over 50 years of age, can join us to learn from each other, discuss current nutrition and health topics, and discover new ways to be active.

Fresh Conversations: Maryland Nutrition Education Program For Older Adults

Fresh Conversations is a nutrition education program for Maryland's older adults. In Maryland, the program is administered by the University of Maryland Extension faculty and Fresh Conversations Certified Trainers. The Iowa Department of Public Health created Fresh Conversations in partnership with Iowa’s Department of Human Services and Department on Aging. Original funding for the program came from USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Program or SNAP.

What is Fresh Conversations Program?

This (approximately one hour long) monthly program offers an array of nutrition, wellness, and health-related topics to older adults at senior centers and sites where they congregate. The sessions are filled with interactive activities, lively discussions, tasting opportunities and physical activity demonstrations.

Each month, participants will receive a vibrantly colored newsletter featuring relevant research-based health information, physical activity tips, mind-stimulating games, easy low cost recipes, and an area to write down and track goals.

Our Wonderful Program Partner 

The Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA) helps establish Maryland as an attractive location for all older adults through vibrant communities and supportive services that offer the opportunity to live healthy and meaningful lives. MDoA and the statewide network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging assist older Marylanders with a range of services and sources of information. MDoA administers state and federal programs, many of which are significantly lower in cost than nursing home placement. 

Who is Eligible to Participate in Fresh Conversations?

Maryland older adults receiving services from the local senior centers or sites where they congregate are eligible to participate in the program. 

What Newsletter Topics Will be Discussed?*

1. Healthy Foods, Healthy Brain 
2. Inflammation
3. Cancer: Preventable, Not Inevitable
4. Macular Degeneration: Sight-Saving Strategies
5. Are Healthy Bones Important?
6. Fuel Your Independence with Protein
7. Fresh Herbs: Don’t Miss Out on Summer Flavor
8. Summer Check-Up  

*Disclaimer: Number of sessions and topics covered may vary by site. Check with your local site or local UME-FCS faculty to find out what topics are offered in your area.