Encinitas-Based +BOX Launches Nutrition Education Program

–+BOX (PlusBox) – a nonprofit program that partners with local farms, food rescue organizations and neighborhood schools to provide food insecure children and their families with fresh healthy food – recently launched a new nutrition education program.

Through a partnership with the Fallbrook Food Pantry, +BOX is bringing their Rooted in Wellness curriculum to select partners so that students and households can learn more about nutrition and its impact on health and wellness. The courses offered include cooking classes, gardening activities, and more.

By combining the weekly delivery of +BOX produce boxes with the Rooted in Wellness nutrition curriculum, +BOX can ensure families are able to maximize the nutritional value of the foods provided. Thereby, helping families adopt the enduring habits that inform long-term health, wellness, self-sufficiency, and fuel student achievement.

Developed locally and owned by the Fallbrook Food Pantry, Rooted in Wellness is a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum for children and adults that provides a range of course options from basic nutrition to culinary skills.

“By adding nutrition education, we can bridge the gap between the food provided and ensuring its rich nutrients are utilized to their fullest potential,” said Wesley Burt, executive director, and founder of Equation Collaborative, the 501(c)3 nonprofit that manages and operates +BOX, and one of the program’s original creators. “We want to builda deeper level of impact in our nutrition assistance – providing students and families with a healthier future.

“While providing weekly nutritional produce boxes is a great way to increase food security for families, we wanted to maximize the impact of the ingredients we provide. To this end we have adopted the Rooted in Wellness nutrition curriculum,” added Burt.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five people in San Diego County were food insecure. Now, one in four San Diegans experience food insecurity, which means they are unable to provide three nutritious meals per day for themselves or their families. Almost 200,000 children in San Diego are food insecure.

“Healthy nutrition does contribute to a reduction in rates of obesity and chronic illness, as well as improve academic outcomes. It’s the best chance that our younger generation will have in breaking the cycle of poverty within their own families.,” said Shae Gawlak, CEO, Fallbrook Food Pantry. “It made perfect sense to join forces with +BOX to further educate local families.”

+BOX is a 501c3 nonprofit that relies on the generosity of its supporters. Donors are welcome to make a tax-deductible donation via www.plus-box.org/give-a-box. For more information, visit www.plus-box.org. To learn more about the Fallbrook Food Pantry, visit www.fallbrookfoodpantry.org.