Intergenerational Nutrition Program

Connecting Generations through Food and Conversation

Our Connecting Generations through Food and Conversation program brings seniors and youth together to tackle senior social isolation while encouraging intergenerational connections and healthy eating. Through culturally relevant workshops, participants enjoy nutrition education, simple recipe demonstrations, and social activities that build connections across generations.

We partner with senior residential housing, senior centers, and healthcare sites to host these engaging workshops. Youth from our school-based program, Project TRUE, also join in, sharing their stories and experiences around food. Together, seniors and young people have meaningful exchanges, share wisdom, and contribute to a stronger community.

Interested in learning more or hosting a workshop at your senior-serving site? Reach out to our Nutrition Program Coordinator, Yeny Lucas, at ylucas@nccwb.org.

Workshop Topics for Health and Connection

Our workshops cover a variety of engaging topics that promote healthy eating habits, physical well-being, and intergenerational understanding. Here are some of the key topics we explore together:

Food History
A Wholesome Diet
Whole Grains
Food Processing
Sugary Beverages
Understanding Nutrition Labels
Smart Strategies for Shopping
Physical Activity
Sleep
Sodium
Gut Health

Program Spotlights

Since launching in June 2024, our program has made meaningful connections across generations and promoted healthier lives.

101 Seniors and 28 Youth have participated in our workshops.

95% of seniors reported increased knowledge about nutrition.

79% of seniors expressed feeling a greater sense of connection after engaging in activities with youth.

Participant Feedback

“Very good information – thank you for all the preparation pulling this together.”
– HeartWorks Senior Participant

“Thank you so much for this wonderful program!”
– PEP Housing Senior Resident

"Feel better + informed. The class was very helpful for my health.”
– Petaluma People Services Senior Participant

“I enjoyed the workshop very much! I only hope you do more workshops in the future! I learned a lot! Thank you!”
– Silvercrest Senior Participant

"Class was very interactive and interesting. I learned more about sugary drinks."
-Project TRUE participant

"Presenters did very well and it was very easy to engage and participate"
- Project TRUE participant

Why It Works

Although individual self-management (SM) practices are a key component of health management, many primary care providers aren’t trained to provide their patients with SM resources beyond a standard visit. Through culturally-appropriate education, motivational interviewing, and collaborative goal setting, the Center’s nutrition programs offer robust informational resources that foster the individual capacity for sustainable self-care, and provides patients with the tools needed to make better health decisions and take ownership of their wellness.

Topics covered in workshops:

Food History
A Wholesome Diet
Whole Grains
Food Processing
Sugary Beverages
Understanding Nutrition Labels

Smart Strategies for Shopping
Physical Activity
Sleep Hygiene
Sodium
Gut Health

Total reach since the launch of the program in June 2024:

Seniors: 101
Youth: 28
95% of participating seniors reported increased knowledge in nutrition topics.
79% of our senior participants expressed feeling a greater sense of connection following conversations and activities with youth.

Senior Participant Quotes:

“Very good information – thank you for all the preparation pulling this together.” – HeartWorks Senior Participant

“Thank you so much for this wonderful program!” – PEP Housing Senior Resident

“Feel better + informed. The class was very helpful for my health.” – Petaluma People Services Senior Participant

“I enjoyed the workshop very much! I only hope you do more workshops in the future! I learned a lot! Thank you!” – Silvercrest Senior Participant

Youth Quotes:

"Class was very interactive and interesting. I learned more about sugary drinks. " - Project TRUE participant

" Presenters did very well and it was very easy to engage and participate " - Project TRUE participant