2020 Hebni Nutrition Program Report

2020 Program Report Celebrating 25 Years of Empowering Our Community’s Health!

HEBNI NUTRITION CONSULTANTS, INC. Health Empowerment Through Behavioral and Nutritional Initiatives

407.872.1333

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www.hebninutrition.org

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Orlando, Florida

HEBNI NUTRITION CONSULTANTS, INC.

2020

2020 PROGRAM REPORT

Message from Our Founders ………………………………...…………...... 3 Message from Our Executive Director …………………….…………...... 4 Mission & Vision……………………………………..……...……………...... 5 Impact of COVID-19 …………………………………………………….….... 6 Programs …………………………………………..………..…………......

7-11 Flavors Cooking Fresh Stop Bus Healthy Soles KYDS Take Charge (Keeping Your Diet Straight) New Partnership ……….....………………………………………..….….... 12 By the Numbers ……………………………………………………….…..... 13 Looking to the Future …………………………………………..………..... 14 Funders ……………………….……………………………….…........…..... 15 Our Team …………………………………………………….…….......... 16-17 Board of Directors Staff Expanding Our Impact……………………………………….....……..…..... 18

2020

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDERS

We cannot believe twenty-five years have passed since we set out to improve our community's health outcomes! Many changes have taken place in our community and the surrounding areas. As we look to the next twenty-five years and beyond, we are excited about the endless possibilities.

Roniece Weaver, MS RD LD

Fabiola Gaines, RD LD

As Registered Dietitians, our clients have come from every walk of life.More importantly, as Registered Dietitians of color, we have seen the devastating impact of chronic diseases; specifically, diabetes has had on communities of color. Twenty-five years ago, we made it our mission to become leadersin addressing social determinants of health, change how communities of color think about chronic diseases, equip them with the tools needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Change does not happen overnight, nor is it easy. We recognize our clients will face challenges when adapting to a new lifestyle, but they know that support is available every step of the way.

In a time of great uncertainty, one constant will remain a top priority is to ensure our community's health and well-being. We could not have achieved tremendous success without the support of our families, staff, interns, and volunteers, who are too numerous to name individually.

We look forward to many more fruitful years being of service to you and your family!

Best,

Roniece & Fabiola

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2020

Annually, the HEBNI team gets together to reflect on the previous year and make projections for the year ahead.

Community programming concludes around the middle of November to give us time to spend with loved ones for the holidays.

When reflecting on the work we have done throughout the year, we actively seek feedback and continually make programmatic improvements to ensure our community has an opportunity to achieve the best health outcomes possible.

We are creating healthy cities grounded in equity and diversity. With the increase in the demand for local food and developing community food spaces, we are helping to build a more sustainable, climate-resilient, and economically viable local food system.

2019 was also a year of transition for my role at HEBNI. Roniece Weaver saw how the agency was evolving and felt I would be the best fit to be the next leader. She transitioned out of her role as Executive Director in December 2018, when the Board of Directors asked me to take on the responsibility, effective January 2019.

After nearly ten years of managing and directing business development, I am honored to have this opportunity to continue supporting small farmers, our Central Florida communities, and our amazingly dedicated and big-hearted staff.

HEBNI’s programs would not support communities without every Staff, Intern, Volunteer, and Board member’s efforts; and every community member who has engaged with us. The individuals I have been fortunate to work alongside the past seven years have not only shaped our work; they have shaped me. Thank you all for your hearts and dedication.

2021 looks to be another exciting year! We look forward to all of the possibilities that lie ahead.

Warm Regards,

Glen

MISSION HEBNI's vision is to be recognized as the premier source of nutritional information that enables individuals to improve their health by driving changes in daily cooking and eating habits and increasing their knowledge of strategies to improving nutrition-related diseases.

1995

YEAR HEBNI WAS FOUNDED

VISION

NEW LOGO

HEBNI is committed to improving consumers' health by providing comprehensive nutritional information to culturally diverse populations through strategic education programs.

In 2017 Hebni incroporated a logo design with an effort to incorporate the organization's new direction and focus on expansion.

COVID-19 IMPACT OF COVID-19 On

March

11.

2020,

the

World

Health

Organization

designated

a

new

highly

contagious and deadly disease, the novel coronavirus (SARS-COV 2019), COVID-19, as a pandemic. Orders to practice social distancing, stay at home, along with curfews were implemented by local and state governments by the end of the month to mitigate spread. These orders resulted in working and learning remotely for professionals and students alike. As a result, the HEBNI team rapidly adapted to remote work while utilizing ZOOM for team meetings as the new mechanism for conducting business. We also had to reevaluate how to continue providing access to our programs. When possible, we now offer our programs in a virtual setting — curriculum modifications made offering Project Oasis via ZOOM possible, including providing a recipe with fresh produce so participants can cook at home and the facilitator. During this unprecedented time, we recognized that maintaining good nutrition is vital to one's well-being. We added Wellness Wednesdays to address the need

through

tips

for

nutritious

and

flavorful

recipes

that

are

quick

and

easy.

Support for existing clients is imperative and accomplished via virtual one-on-one counseling sessions. Finally, although the Fresh Stop Bus could not go into the community, we continue to provide them with fresh produce through our pop-up farmers’ market.

COVID-19

turned

the

world

on

its

head

and

redefined

what

normal

is.

HEBNI

continued to conduct business and successfully overcame all of the challenges presented with safety as the highest priority. We are aware that the virus will be a constant for the foreseeable future. However, our work will continue, as reflected in our name, Health Empowerment through Behavioral and Nutritional Initiatives. Our future is bright, and we look forward to adding programs, which empower our community to become the best and healthiest versions of themselves!

OUR PROGRAMS

In 2015 Hebni, repurposed

Hebni launched Fresh Stop Mobile Farmers Market. Fresh Stop is a

40-ft

neighborhoods.

The

transit market

bus

that

offers

was

fresh

created

fruit

and

centered locations and at budget-friendly prices. solution

that

includes

onboard

refrigeration

to

serve

vegetables

food in

desert

community-

The bus is a complete, turnkey

and

an

onboard

demonstration

kitchen to provide interactive recipe creation and tastings.

This unique approach brings fresh produce directly to underserved populations and accepts multiple forms of payments including SNAP/EBT. Fresh Stop Mobile Farmer’s Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables to food deserts in Central Florida.

Between January 2019 to October 2020,

9,699

individuals recieved fresh produce from the Fresh Stop

Bus from various stops throughout Central Florida. The number likely would have been higher; however, the COVID-19 pandemic prohibited the Fresh Stop team from going out into the community. In fact, in response to the pandemic, our team made the decision to shut down operations of the bus in early March.

Fresh Stop Bus Demographic Breakdown

Fresh Stop Bus Zip Code Breakdown 3,000

Other White 2% 7.1%

2,000 Hispanic or Latino 18.2%

1,000

African American 71.7%

0

3751

32803

32805

32822

32826

OUR PROGRAMS

EatWell is a program under the Fresh Stop Bus umbrella.

A 3-year grant from the Florida Blue Foundation funds the program to increase fresh produce to communities who experience high food insecurity. We began providing produce to the West Lakes Community in June 2019 and expanded to the Holden Heights Community in August 2020. In April 2021, we will expand to the Tangelo Park community. Individuals who reside in these communities tend to experience high food insecurity. To expand our reach, we added Fresh Stop Jr. in 2019. "Jr." is a converted cargo van, which we use for distribution as well as promotional purposes in the community. Fresh Stop Jr. makes deliveries to the Eat Well communities. Twice per month, the produce bags are provided ro participants enrolled in the EatWell program free of charge. Individuals who use SNAP/EBT benefits and live in the West Lakes and Holden Heights communities qualify for services from EatWell which is sponsored by the Florida Blue Foundation. Since the program's implementation, in the program serving

688 new and existing households.

371 families have enrolled

OUR PROGRAMS Launched in 2009, with funding from the Florida Department of Health Office of Minority Health, Project Oasis has become HEBNI's premiere program. It is an eight-week program designed for minority families, centered around nutrition education, hands-on cooking classes, emphasizing the need for increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Our Registered Dietitians teach participants how to cook healthy meals.

To assist each participant with success

gained as a part of their participation in the program, they are given cards with recipes and cooking utensils to aid with nutritious meal preparation at home. Measuring health outcomes is accomplished

through

how

well

participants

have

adopted

healthier

food

preparation

by

completing pre & post-tests and biometric health screenings (cho esterol, glucose, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure). Another benefit is the ability to gauge the number of fruits and vegetables they and their family are consuming through weekly surveys, in addition to incentives, which include a copy of the The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes.

COVID-19

necessitated

a

shift

in

how

the

curriculum

is

delivered. Instead of 8 weekly in-person sessions in the HEBNI kitchen, participants meet online weekly for four weeks. Each week, participants receive a bag of produce from the Fresh Stop Bus with recipe cards to cook along with the instructor.

Since its inception, hundreds of individuals have learned how to

make

through

better Project

choices Oasis.

to

improve

HEBNI

knowledge for each participant.

their

tracks

health

outcomes

biometrics

and

OUR PROGRAMS

Flavors

is

experience,

a

4-week

which

demonstration participants preparing

utilizes

kitchen.

will

interactive;

learn

healthy,

HEBNI's

During from

irresistible

the

sensory state

of

weekly

cooking the

art

sessions,

culinary

experts

for

meals

focusing

on

incorporating locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

Flavors was launched in 2019; sponsorship from local organizations makes each session possible. The first sponsors of the program were the City of Orlando and Lucky's Market.

Some of the 2020 program highlights include:

71.4% of participants reported getting food from farmer’s markets “often” or “sometimes” The top reason that was most important in deciding where to grocery shop was “Ability to get everything in one place” When asked if they found it difficult to cook healthy meals 71.4% of participants either “disagreed” or “strongly disagree,” meaning they felt it would not be difficult for them to cook healthy meals at home.

71.4%, also reported not feeling confident or neutral when asked about using fresh herbs and spices in their cooking.

HEBNI is pleased to showcase different flavor profiles through unique food pairings. We enjoy trying new flavors in the foods we eat and want to share this love of food with the community. Flavors Cooking is another program affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. The numbers are much lower in 2020 versus 2019.

OUR PROGRAMS

To meet the needs of an ever-changing community we introuuced the

Applaud Diabetes Education Program.

Applaud

is

our

newest

program addressing the unique needs of people with diabetes available in

English

and

Spanish.

We

successfully

implemented

a

pilot

in

Fall

2020, and a full roll-out of the program will occur in Spring 2021. Due to the pandemic, the sessions occur virtually via the Healthie App or and ZOOM twice weekly for eight weeks. All of the sessions are lead by our Registered Dietitians.

2016

saw

targeting

the

launch

seniors.

of

The

Healthy

program

Soles,

a

provides

12-week BMI

fitness

monitoring,

program strength,

flexibility, and walking times for each participant. Exercise classes are available twice weekly, in addition to a walking club, which meets once a week. Healthy Soles has been a successful program among HEBNI’s senior clients, grant funding for the program has ended. HEBNI hopes to secure funding to relaunch the program and expand our reach to other communities.

HEBNI

developed

KYDS.

Take

Charge,

Keeping

Your

Diet

Straight

Take

Charge, in 2006, targeting children in elementary and middle school who are at

increased

risk

of

becoming

overweight

or

obese.

An

evidence-based

curriculum is utilized to provide age-appropriate education to encourage the participants to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,

drink more water, and increase physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. Registered Dietitians teach

participants on

how to prepare meals on their own, impart healthy lifestyle habits

that

will

integrating

math

last

beyond

and

the

science

class, skills

in

addition

through

to

recipe

preparation and development.

Weekly tennis lessons through

Posh Rock Tennis

is introduced as a means for

our partner

incorporating

physical

activity.

The

COVID-19

pandemic

meant we had to suspend the program. HEBNI looks forward to restarting the program in thenext school year.

NEW PARTNERSHIP We were excited to announce the creation of a new partnership in 2020 with Infinite Zion Farms. In collaboration with the City of Orlando, this talented group of garden growers and volunteers reimagined a space into a vibrant community garden in nead Downtown Orlando. Through this partnership Hebni will be able to have

more

local

access

to

fresh

produce

as

well

knowledge and experience of the Infinite Zion Team. collaborate

on

farm-to-table

events

as

well

as

as

the

We look to educational

workshops.

CONSULTING, TRAINING AND MORE Training:

HEBNI, in partnership with 4C and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange

County, provides Train-the-Trainer sessions and Healthy Eating for Families. Both sessions offer Program Directors and Cooks with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate healthy eating habits in preschool-aged children's families.

HEBNI has forged partnership

with OCPS FNS to offer nutrition education and training services to the FNS staff, students, parents, and community partners with the district. Participants will develop skills and have the opportunity to earn credentials for career advancement.

Corporate Wellness:

One of HEBNI's priorities is to connect small to medium companies

who would like to offer wellness programs as a benefit for their employees. Programming examples include Lunch and Learns, pop-up farmers' market, and healthy messaging.

Recipe Development/Recipe Tasting/Meal Pattern Component/Food Analysis: We regularly develop recipes and offer taste testing to ensure it meets the intended audience's dietary standards to include meal pattern components with food analysis.

Speaking Engagements: Our

Dietitians take every opportunity to provide comprehensive

nutrition-related strategies that decrease, manage, and delay chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and hypertension.

Mentoring & Preceptorship

to future dietitians source to future dietitians is something

that HEBNI deems vital to the profession's future, particularly for Dietitians of color.

New practitioners need to have a listening ear and are willing to share their wisdom.

Community Nutrition Assessments:

Our he assessments

help

to identify the current

state of food access, resident health status, and environmental assets such as the current number of full-service grocery stores and their proximity to the target neighborhoods.

2020: By the Numbers*

2,027

401 # OF PEOPLE WITH INCREASED ACCESS TO PRODUCE

# OF FRESH STOP TRANSACTIONS

4,812 $15,406 AMOUNT OF FRESH STOP SALES

7

NO. $5 FILL-UP BAG SPONSORS

101

# OF POUNDS OF FREE PRODUCE DISTRIBUTED

62%

# EBT TRANSACTIONS ON FRESH STOP

% OF PEOPLE REDUCING BMI THROUGH PROJECT OASIS CLASSES

*Data through Nov. 2020

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE HEBNI is celebrating 25 years of making gains in health outcomes within Central Florida. To meet our community's ever-changing needs, we have quickly turned the page to begin writing a new chapter in our book for the next 25 years and beyond. We have built a firm foundation for building and empowering our community to attain the best health outcomes possible. The addition of value-added services will enable us to leverage our strengths to expand our reach.

A top priority is to begin a capital campaign to update our building's façade. A part of the façade update is installing signage to make identification easier for passersby. It will also pave the way for the rollout of The Fresh Stop Kitchen and Café will provide fresh, healthy meals for purchase in a "grab-n-go", take out style. Outdoor seating will be made available for those who wants to relax and eat outside.

For consumers who purchase meals and prefer contactless pick-up, particularly during COVID-19, a pick-up window will be available to make this possible. Besides offering meals through the café, we also plan to offer catering for small events and for our partners.

The development and implementation of programs will be one of our constants as we look to the future. As Central Florida, and more specifically, our community grows and changes, we will develop and implement programs to meet individuals' needs at all life stages who want to improve their health outcomes through behavioral interventions. Our programs are open to every demographic. An essential part of our plan is to develop pipeline programs for our younger consumers, who can grow up with us and ultimately become brand ambassadors.

Individuals and communities receive an invaluable benefit from the community gardens located in their neighborhoods. HEBNI has a vested interest in the success of Infinite Zion Farms because they supply us with fresh, locally-sourced produce for the Fresh Stop Bus. As subject matter experts for anything garden related, we will defer to them for questions and concerns.

We understand where we have come from to know precisely where we want to go. Our education approach shows our clients that eating well does not have to be complicated or expensive. We recognize that achieving positive health outcomes is not easy, but sharing information in an easy to understand manner makes it possible and has become one of our programs' hallmarks. As we look to the next 25 years, we are excited to expand our products and services to increase our community's overall well-being.

OUR FUNDERS

There are not enough words to describe the gratitude we have for our funders. They make our commitment to empowerment and expanding our impact possible.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS SONYA WILDER JOHNSON CarePlus, Inc.

MONICA RILEY Tupperware Brands Corporation

BAKARI BURNS Orange Blossom Family Health Center City of Orlando Commisioner

DEBORAH MITCHELL Seminole County Public Schools, Retired

DEBORAH STEPHENS SunTrust, Retired

ELLA TATE Universal Studios, Retired

SAMANTHA FERGUSON WILSON Wilson Group Financial

ARTHUR D. HOWELL III Florida Department of Health, Orange County

JULIUS TIMMONS* Advent Health

KYLE ALEXANDRE Walt Disney World

DANIEL FRIEDLINE City of Orlando

*Board Chair

STAFF

Pictured from Left to Right RONIECE WEAVER, MS RD LD

FABIOLA GAINES, RD LD

STEPHANIE RAMAIREZ

Director of Agency Operations

Director of Nutrition Services

Marketing Coordinator

GLEN R. PROVIDENCE, MS

YOLANDA DANIELS

CELINES MARTINEZ,MS RDN/LDN

Executive Director

Office Manager

Registered Dietitian

THOMAS COSTON

LINDY SNYDER, MS

Fresh Stop Market Manager

Grants Manager (Not Pictured)

CLICK TO DONATE

For 25 years and counting, we have assisted many individuals and families on their journey to a healthy lifestyle. Cooking and eating healthy foods is an essential facet of one's well-being and can be a daunting task without the proper tools. Your donations help us provide the resources and skills needed to bring healthy fruits and vegetables into our community's kitchens.

Please help us continue making healthy eating accessible to everyone.

Thank You!