Integrating Educational Videos Into Skills-Based Nutrition Programs to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Peel

With the dramatic rise in food insecurity, a well‐known barrier to healthy diets,especially for those most disadvantaged, food banks have an opportunity to intervenebeyond food provision by helping clients develop necessary knowledge and skills relatedto healthy eating in those who would benefit most. Since 2022, Seva Food Bank has runeducational programs for seniors, newcomers, and youth, providing the food bank withexperience delivering cooking and nutritional education programs to various demographics.Seva's programs and operations primarily serve clients who are seniors, newcomers andyouth, many of whom struggle with type 2 diabetes and related chronic diseases. Many alsoface accessibility and equity barriers when it comes to nutrition education and healthyeating. Given the ability of Seva Food Bank to reach those most vulnerable to type 2diabetes in the Peel region, there is an opportunity to improve client health. Dietaryinterventions are a key component of care for those at risk of developing or living withtype 2 diabetes.The proposed project aims assess potential benefits of integrating an educational videoin the following Seva programs: Culinary Training for Youth, Culinary Training forNewcomers, Cooking Classes for Seniors. ‐ Culinary Training for Youth (6‐week program): To evaluate the impact of the videoamong youth, we will assess changes in diet quality, nutrition knowledge, attitudes,and behaviors by administering a questionnaire at three time points: before thevideo is shown (baseline), after 2 weeks, and again 1‐2 months post‐intervention toassess sustained effects and maintenance. ‐ Culinary Training for Newcomers (10‐week curriculum): To evaluate the impact of thevideo among newcomers, we will assess changes in diet quality, nutrition knowledge,attitudes, and behaviors by administering a questionnaire at three time points:before the video is shown (baseline), after 2 weeks, and again 1‐2 monthspost‐intervention to assess sustained effects and maintenance. ‐ Cooking Classes for Senior (one cooking workshop): To evaluate the impact of thevideo among seniors, we will assess changes in diet quality, nutrition knowledge,attitudes, and behaviors by administering a questionnaire at three time points:before the video is shown (baseline), after 2 weeks, and again 1‐2 monthspost‐intervention to assess sustained effects and maintenance.