The ACHD Nutrition Program is dedicated to promoting health and well-being in our community. Our initiatives are designed to improve health outcomes, ensure access to healthy foods, and strengthen our local food system.
Nutrition Program Goals:
- Improving health outcomes for those served in Allegany County
- Expanding access to nourishing foods for all
- Improving the local food system
How do we accomplish those goals?
- Group nutrition education classes held at ACHD and throughout the county
- Nutrition counseling for ACHD program participants
- Collaboration with community programs to improve the food system and overall health, including the Western Maryland Food Council (WMFC), Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC), University of Maryland Extension (UME) Advisory Committee, and Allegany College of Maryland’s Community Resilience Network (CRN)
FREE Nutrition Classes:Want to change your relationship with food for the better? Looking for ways to reduce stress and live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle? Join one of our FREE nutrition classes!
- TAMING YOUR SWEET TOOTH: 4:30 - 5:30 PM on the 1st Wednesday of each month.
Do you find yourself reaching for something sweet too often? Join our class to learn more about sugar and why we crave it. Learn nutrition facts, practical tips, and mindful eating tools to help you make informed choices, eat less sugar, and enjoy sweets in a smart way. Discover the secrets to living a healthier, happier sweet life.
- MINDFUL EATING BASICS: 4:30 - 5:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
Would you like to eat with more focus, instead of mindlessly munching? In this class, we'll use fun, hands-on activities to explore mindful eating. Learn how to connect with your hunger and fullness, savor each bite, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for food. Join us in this mindful approach to food that nourishes both body and soul.
- MEAL PLANNING ON A BUDGET: 4:30 - 5:30 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Would you like a roadmap to delicious, nutritious meals? Join us for practical tips and budget-friendly recipes to stretch your food dollar without compromising on flavor or nutrition? Learn smart shopping tips and tools to plan and cook healthy meals. Take control of your food budget while enjoying satisfying, home-cooked meals.
- STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR BALANCED LIVING: 4:30 - 5:30 PM on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become part of daily life, affecting both our minds and bodies. This class offers practical tools to manage stress and find balance through mind-body skills. We will explore skills like mindfulness, breathwork, and gentle movements. We will practice these skills and talk about how they work. Join us to learn how to manage stress better in a supportive group.
- STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS TO HELP QUIT TOBACCO & NICOTINE: 4:30 - 5:30 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Quitting tobacco and nicotine isn't just about willpower — it demands taking care of your whole self. This class will help you to quit by using proven mind-body stress management skills. We'll try out different methods together, learn from each other, and share how to manage cravings better and cope during tough times. Join us to take care of yourself better while quitting tobacco and nicotine.
Classes are held on the ground floor of the Allegany County Health Department at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD. To learn more and register, email Theresa.Stahl@maryland.gov or call 301-759-5270.
Learn more and get involved
:
- Buy Local Allegany, a one-stop website for local food
- Allegany Farmers Markets
- Western Maryland Food Council
- MD Food System Resiliency Council
- Allegany Speaks – a place to learn about health programs, voice your opinions, and learn about health-related programs you can participate in through an interactive Community Events Calendar
- WellSky Path to Help, connections to community resources
- Western Maryland Food Bank
- Allegany County WIC, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
- UPMC Western MD Nutrition Programs
- University of MD Extension, including SNAP-ED, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H, and Master Gardener Programs
- Community Café, a “pay as you can” restaurant (opening soon)
- Wholesome Harvest Food Cooperative, a member-owned grocery store focusing on local foods and products
- Dietitian Favorites Free Cookbook
- Good and Cheap Free Cookbook
For more information about our Nutrition Program, call (301) 759-5270.
