Wadena County’s Health Initiatives for Summer 2025

WADENA—The SNAP-Ed Health and Wellness program, a part of the University of Minnesota Extension, is preparing for a vibrant and engaging summer season in 2025. The program offers a range of initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating and active living among residents of all ages.

Popular Cooking Matters Go Fresh Wadena Program

This summer, one of the standout offerings is the Cooking Matters Go Fresh Wadena. This series comprises six free virtual cooking classes tailored for families with children. Scheduled to take place via Zoom on Thursdays throughout July and August, the program not only offers participants a wealth of culinary knowledge but also provides practical benefits such as a weekly bag of groceries, a $10 voucher for the Wadena Farmers Market, and a kitchen gadget to enhance family cooking experiences.

Enhancing Cooking Skills with Expert Guidance

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to enhance cooking skills while enjoying a free meal each week,” states SNAP-Ed Educator Marilyn Hofland, who will lead the virtual classes. In addition to the online component, Hofland will also conduct in-person cooking demonstrations at the Wadena Farmers Market on select Fridays, allowing for a hands-on experience. Pre-registration is required for both the virtual and in-person cooking sessions.

Supporting Local Farmers and SNAP Benefits

The Wadena Farmers Market, conveniently located next to the BBQ Smokehouse, will be open every Friday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. This is especially advantageous for families, as SNAP benefits are accepted at the market. Thanks to a unique initiative, EBT users can enjoy triple the value of their purchases, meaning that a $10 EBT expenditure will yield $30 in tokens to be redeemed for fresh, locally produced foods.

Gardening Opportunities with the Seed Library

For those interested in cultivating their own food, the Seed Library at the Wadena Public Library offers free seed packets, featuring this year’s selected vegetable—spinach. These packets are available throughout the community to inspire residents to engage in home gardening and adopt healthy eating habits.

Upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program in Collaboration with Astera Health

As summer transitions into fall, SNAP-Ed is set to collaborate with Astera Health to introduce a 12-week Diabetes Prevention Program in September. This evidence-based initiative aims to support individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Interested participants are encouraged to reach out to SNAP-Ed to learn more about eligibility and enrollment details.

How to Register for Health Programs

To register for the Cooking Matters classes, farmers market events, or the Diabetes Prevention Program, individuals can contact Marilyn Hofland at (218) 639-9583 or via email at hofla001@umn.edu. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to develop culinary skills, support local agriculture, and improve overall health and wellness in the Wadena community.

Wadena County’s Health and Wellness Initiatives for Summer 2025

As summer 2025 approaches, Wadena County is enhancing its commitment to community health through a variety of engaging programs aimed at promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles for residents of all ages. The SNAP-Ed Health and Wellness program, part of the University of Minnesota Extension, is set to kick off a vibrant season of activities.

Cooking Matters Go Fresh Wadena

One of the standout offerings this summer is “Cooking Matters Go Fresh Wadena,” a series of complimentary virtual cooking classes tailored for families with children. Scheduled for Thursdays in July and August, these interactive sessions will take place via Zoom, providing an accessible way for families to enhance their cooking skills from home.

Each participant will receive a weekly bag of groceries, a $10 voucher for the Wadena Farmers Market, and a handy kitchen gadget. This initiative not only aims to improve culinary abilities but also encourages families to come together and enjoy nutritious meals. Marilyn Hofland, the SNAP-Ed Educator overseeing the classes, emphasizes the program’s benefits, stating, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to boost cooking skills while enjoying a healthy meal weekly.”

In-Person Cooking Demonstrations

In addition to the virtual classes, Wadena Farmers Market will host in-person cooking demonstrations on select Fridays. These demonstrations will allow participants to experience firsthand how to prepare healthy meals using local ingredients. Advanced registration is necessary for both virtual and market classes to ensure a smooth and organized experience.

Wadena Farmers Market Highlights

The Wadena Farmers Market, conveniently located next to the BBQ Smokehouse, operates on Fridays from 2 to 5:30 PM. SNAP benefits are accepted here, and a special incentive allows EBT users to receive triple the value of their purchase—spending $10 on an EBT card earns $30 in tokens for fresh, locally sourced produce and food items. This initiative helps make healthy food more accessible to all community members.

Community Gardening Opportunities

For those interested in growing their own food, the Seed Library at the Wadena Public Library is offering free seeds, including this year’s featured crop: spinach. These seed packets are readily available throughout the community, encouraging residents to engage in home gardening and embrace healthier eating habits.

Upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program

Looking forward to the fall, SNAP-Ed is teaming up with Astera Health to launch a comprehensive 12-week Diabetes Prevention Program starting in September. This evidence-based initiative will be held in Wadena and aims to support individuals at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to SNAP-Ed to discover eligibility options and take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

How to Get Involved

To sign up for the cooking classes, farmers market events, or the upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program, interested participants can contact Marilyn Hofland at (218) 639-9583 or via email at hofla001@umn.edu. Be part of these enriching community programs that promote healthy living and active engagement among Wadena County residents.