Fitness and nutrition is very important for all ages in African immigrant communities; particularly for women and girls. However, lack of education regarding nutrition and healthy cooking, better eating habits and a more active lifestyle leads to unhealthy lifestyles in immigrants. Fitness has not been traditionally recognized as it has not been a part of their regular routine, education or background in Africa.
Food awareness, healthy eating and fitness are commonly promoted to reduce obesity, risk of disease and encourage overall healthier lifestyle. Immigrant women face challenges that hinder them from participating in healthier lifestyle options. Culture and religion that prohibits females from fitness centers or classes where there is a male presence, financial means to join gyms, fitness classes or daycare, or access to organic food, joining nutritional education and healthy cooking classes.
The Fitness and Nutrition Program focuses on education as the most effective tool to advance knowledge, raise awareness and enhance techniques about health and fitness as well as tips about smart shopping to reduce the food cost that challenges many low-income families. This program provides lectures about nutritious food and training for immigrant mothers in the form of cooking classes that demonstrate how to prepare everyday balanced meals and nutritious snacks.
By 2020, immigrant communities in Indianapolis will have access to a number of resources including nutritional programs, healthy cooking and smart shopping classes as well as access to affordable daycare and fitness programs or gyms. With the help of donors and volunteers like you we can provide these women with a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
