“Eat & Learn is a 45-minute luncheon program conducted by the dietitians at Pocono Medical Center for medical center employees,” said Heidi Franssen, Director of Food & Nutrition, Metz & Associates, Ltd. for Pocono Medical Center. “Introduced in December, the program, which focused on healthy eating through the holidays, was met with immediate success. So much so, that we’ve had to move the class to a larger area.”

“Our first class was very interactive with many great questions being asked by those in attendance,” said Paula Schott, Clinical Manager for Metz & Associates, Ltd. at Pocono Medical Center. “The evaluations received from the first class were all extremely positive, with attendees indicating they would definitely attend any future classes.”

Each of the monthly sessions presented by Metz & Associates will concentrate on a topic identified through a staff survey. A second class, which was held on January 22, focused on converting recipes from regular to low fat. This class had double the amount of attendees as the first class. In addition to the educational portion, a luncheon meal is also provided based on the topic of the class, along with recipes to take home.

The Metz team is currently working with the hospital’s HR department to see if there are any grants available to build the program. They are also planning on expanding Eat & Learn beyond lunch to a breakfast and evening program to reach a wider audience.

“We are conducting these sessions, because the staff expressed an interest in practical nutrition education,” Franssen said. “In a fast-paced environment like a hospital, staff members realize that a proper diet can give them the energy they need to keep pace with their busy lives. A healthy diet can also improve ones overall feeling of well-being.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.