Williamson County Poised To Combat Obesity With Nutrition Classes

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — In an effort to combat obesity, Williamson County health officials are poised to offer free community nutrition education classes next month.

Officials referenced a telling statistic in pointing to the need for the effort: According to County Health Rankings, 30 percent of Williamson County adults are obese, exceeding both the average Texas and U.S. obesity values. In an effort to address this trend, Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) officials will offer the special classes to youth and families toward a goal of increasing nutrition knowledge and improving health outcomes.

The class, #eatrealfood, will provide nutrition education, food demonstrations, and hands-on learning to K-12 youth. Participants will receive healthful snacks and ingredients to make the recipe again at home. The classes are made possible with $10,000 in funding from The Texas Department of Agriculture’s 3Es Grant Program which promotes awareness of the importance of good nutrition, especially for children, and to encourage children's health and well-being through Education, Exercise and Eating right.

“Childhood obesity is a serious public health challenge,” Dr. Lori Palazzo, WCCHD medical director, said in a prepared statement. “Youth who are overweight or obese have substantially higher odds of remaining overweight or obese into adulthood, increasing their risk of disease and disability later in life. Educating our youth on something they have control of, such as what they choose to eat, is empowering them to lead healthier lives.”

Class times and locations are expected to be released in October, county officials said. Community partners interested in hosting a class may fill out an interest form on the www.wcchd.org home page.

The Williamson County and Cities Health District has provided public health services to Williamson County since 1943. Learn more about Your Public Health Department at www.wcchd.org.