Nutrition Pathways
Nutrition Pathways is a novel program that partners with community-based organizations and health clinics across Long Island to address food insecurity and nutrition needs. At each partner-site, Island Harvest implements an on-site food pantry stocked with healthy foods that are tailored to the preferences/needs of our clients. Program Participants are offered intensive nutrition counseling by an Island Harvest Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) as well as cooking items and tools to support home cooking. With the guidance of the RDN, clients shop for foods at the on-site pantry and are invited to participate in weekly nutrition education and cooking demonstration workshops. Workshops reinforce healthy eating and provide practical cooking and shopping advice. Clients are also connected with additional support, as needed, including assistance with the SNAP application process and information about local food pantries.
This past year, the Nutrition Pathways Program, operating at three (3) community-based sites, provided almost 1,300 individual nutrition counseling and education sessions to patients, and distributed over 1,400 healthy food packages to program participants to take home to their families. The program also provided healthy food and nutrition information to an additional 5,000 individuals at community food distributions.
Nutrition Pathways Pilot Home Delivery Program
Nutrition Pathways Pilot Home Delivery Program is a partnership between Island Harvest and Catholic Health Home Care. This pilot program provides nutritious foods and essential cooking supplies and tools to food insecure, home-bound clients who are managing chronic illness. Nutrition information, recipes and cookbooks are provided by an Island Harvest RDN.
Nutrition Workshops and the Nutrition & Wellness Task Force
Island Harvest Nutritionists provide ongoing nutrition and cooking demonstration workshops for member agencies. Our Nutrition and Wellness Task Force is a volunteer group that provides support to Island Harvest Nutrition Education Programs. Members are credentialed Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), students who have recently completed their RDN internship, or current RDN interns. For additional information, please contact Kathleen Emmett, Nutrition Program Supervisor directly at 631-873-4775.
Agency Train-the-Trainer
This initiative has allowed us to expand the reach of our nutrition education program. Island Harvest Registered Dietitians provide nutrition training to our member agency leadership who then share what they have learned with their pantry guests. Workshops are done in conjunction with member Food Safety and Orientation programs. For additional information, please contact Kathleen Emmett, Nutrition Program Supervisor directly at 631-873-4775.
Healthy Pantry Partners
Through the Healthy Pantry Partners program, Island Harvest Nutritionists provide guidance to our member agency food pantries that enable them to create a pantry environment that supports and reinforces healthier food choices for clients. To enroll your pantry in the program, please contact Kathleen Emmett, Nutrition Program Supervisor directly at 631-873-4775.
Dietetic Internship Program
Island Harvest Nutritionists are preceptors for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in-training. We provide supervision and training for interns participating in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ approved internship programs. Dietetic programs are affiliated with hospitals and universities across the country.
Youth Produce Program Nutrition Education
Our Youth Produce Program provides a variety of nutritious produce to children and their families at participating sites as well as food and nutrition workshops and our monthly Nutrition Newsletter. Leadership at each site is also invited to attend our annual nutrition seminar, which reinforces and supports our mission to increase fruit and vegetable intake among the families we serve.