Residents of Bay Landing senior apartments in Boothbay Harbor recently indulged in black bean soup and fruit and vegetable smoothies to celebrate their final SNAP-Ed cooking and nutrition class.

Healthy Lincoln County’s SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Lara Cogar, held two 4-part series healthy cooking classes this spring at Bay Landing. As a result, 14 residents learned how to shop, cook, and eat simple, healthy, and affordable meals. Throughout the class, residents learned simple ways to add fruits and vegetables to their daily meals, what to look for on food labels, how to find the best deals, and why whole grains are necessary for good health.

Cogar worked with Resident Services Coordinator, Heather Smaha to bring the free class to Bay Landing. “The class was a lot of fun, and educational too,” said Smaha, adding “we used great, healthy recipes that I wouldn’t have tried otherwise.”

Residents helped prepare meals, learned cooking techniques, and of course tasted their creations. Cogar, reflecting on the value of the class says, “People often tell me they'd eat more healthfully if they could afford it. During this class, we learn how to eat well and actually save money.”

To learn more about SNAP-Ed nutrition education programs in Lincoln County, contact Lara Cogar at 563-1330.