Community Health Disparity Prevention Program (Eat Healthy Be Active), supported by NJ Department of Health

The NJ Department of Health, Office of Minority and Multicultural Health’s Community Health Disparity Prevention Program has for three years supported CARC in implementing an anti-obesity program called “Eat Healthy – Be Active“  which is designed to engage the minority populations in the community and bring awareness to prevalent health concerns, specifically obesity. The workshop series consist of eight weekly, one hour workshops, focusing on the principles of the “MyPlate” model. There is also an emphasis on how a healthy diet needs to be combined with physical activity, to prevent obesity as well as other long term diseases.

Six of the eight workshops focus specifically on how to change a person’s diet according to the “MyPlate” model, including a cooking class where participants will try healthy recipes. Throughout the series participants are also introduced to healthier snacks, tasting etc. to inspire them to change their diet.

Even though physical activity is addressed throughout the program, two of the workshops specifically focus on physical activities where the participants learn easy ways to exercise at home without having to join a gym. An entire class is also dedicated to an activity, such as a Zumba class, to inspire further activity.

NJ Family Care / Kid Care – Medicaid

NJ SNAP Assistance – Food Stamps

CARC also collaborates with the The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to facilitate health care and food stamp (SNAP) applications. Certified Application Counselors assist applicants through the online ACA Marketplace Exchange and NJ FamilyCare. Additionally, the benefits outreach Staff is also available to assist with screening and submitting SNAP applications, as well as free income tax preparations to qualified households. As all benefits have different deadlines and qualifications, applicants are urged to visit CARC on site for details on specific benefits.