The Donald Dungan Library in Costa Mesa is hosting a series of events aimed at promoting healthy eating and food literacy. Organized by the Irvine-based organization Partners4Wellness, these events focus on empowering individuals with the knowledge to make healthier food choices. Health educator Isabella Smith led a session last month where participants learned how to have balanced meals and decode nutritional labels.
Smith emphasized the importance of understanding food literacy, stating, “If someone is interested in their food literacy, they’ll be more inclined to make healthier choices.” She highlighted the common confusion around nutrition, often fueled by changing dietary trends and misinformation.
During the event, attendees participated in a live demonstration on reading nutrition labels and learned what to look for in highly processed foods. Smith also addressed food myths, such as the belief that healthy eating is expensive, explaining that grocery costs can be lower than eating fast food daily.
The library’s initiative aims to provide residents with reliable information from sources like the USDA and CDC, helping them avoid fad diets. Smith encouraged participants to make small changes, stating, “There’s no perfect diet. Just good, better, and best choices.”
For those interested in learning more about food literacy programs, additional events are scheduled at the library. More information can be found on the Voice of OC website.
